Vincentians moving from “hand-outs” to “a hand up”

One key to “addressing underlying causes and discovering long-term solutions for poverty” (John Paul II to Vincentians), a process also known as “systemic change”, is recognizing the difference between “hand outs” and “a hand up”.

FAMVIN’s weekly feature on systemic change has shown examples of projects that offer dignity and a hand up. We would like to focus now on what followers of Vincent and Louise are doing.

Often Vincent did not invent something new. His genius was in recognizing good ideas and doing something with them. He pointed others to these projects and they then supported, imitated, and reinvented the projects, themselves: “creative unto infinity”. This is our tradition.

We would like to hear what you are doing to give a hand up to break the cycle of poverty — or what ideas have come to your mind? If you think what you are doing fits the guidelines suggested by leaders of the Vincentian family please write us at famv.org.

Here are the guidelines.
• Involve the poor themselves, including women and young people, at all stages: the identification of needs, planning, implementation, evaluation and revision;

• Have a holistic vision — addressing a series of basic human needs: individual and social, spiritual and physical, especially jobs, health care, housing, education, and spiritual growth — with an integral approach toward prevention and sustainable development;

• Place particular emphasis on self-help and self-sustaining programs, with a special view toward addressing the root causes of poverty.

We want to share ideas and learn how to serve the poor more effectively.

For some examples of how the Congregation of the Mission is trying to foster systemic change visit the Vincentian Encyclopedia article on Systemic Change Awards.

Please let us know hear from you about fostering systemic change.