Vincent exemplified the importance of advocacy and speaking to power. He was truly a “voice for the poor”. Constantly, even if quietly,he would lobby the powerful on behalf of the weak. While most would not see him as a “systems thinker”, the fact is that he was one of the most effective “systems doers” in history.
“We should assist the poor in every way and do it both by ourselves and by enlisting the help of others. To do this is to preach the gospel by word and by work” – St. Vincent de Paul
The US National SSVDP is continuing that tradition in its “VOICE OF THE POOR” project. On this feast of Blessed Fredric please visit visit. http://www.voiceofthepoor.org/info.htm. There are some especially find downloabable documents on advocacy.
Tags: Anti-poverty strategies
