The role of young people in identifying new forms of poverty
Each era has and creates specific forms of poverty. The vocation and duty of the Conferences is to be alert to the appearance of new forms of human suffering in order to help those in need to overcome them.
Can the young members prioritise the forms of poverty to be found in their surroundings? Please provide a list.
Do you believe that the Conferences are able to deal with them? And fight them?
What could be done to improve the work of each Conference in dealing with these new forms of poverty?
Are our younger members aware that the problems that our founders dealt with in the 19th century continue to exist in many parts of the world, even in the most prosperous countries? Are they aware that many traditional forms of poverty have not disappeared?
Are the younger members well accepted within the Conferences? Do they suffer problems in adapting? If so, are there channels by which to overcome these problems?
Young Vincentians in the Conferences and their representation in the
Just like the senior members of the Society, the younger members are called upon to meet with the poor in person. Face to face meetings, aimed at finding a way to overcome poverty and to achieve the fulfilment of each individual in human terms. Evangelisation is also necessary because we all know that fulfilment is reached through togetherness with Christ.
Do the senior members help the younger members during their period of formation? Are they understood and listened to with real interest and attention? What would the younger members suggest in order to improve the apostolic working atmosphere?
Within the Christian community that each Conference should form, do the members show genuine interest towards one another? How can this be improved?
Are the Conferences truly concerned by the problems of the poor and do they take it upon themselves to deal with them? How can we improve the involvement of each member and, as a result, the Conferences as a whole?
Are young members given suitable attention within the Society’s national and international structure? Do they follow the Society’s news via the different media and international website? How could we improve this representation at all levels? How could we improve the information provided at both a national and international level?
Are the younger members aware that they are sometimes the only close link that the poor have with the
Are the younger members aware that, whilst deeply respecting the beliefs of all the poor people that they help, they must strive to convey the Good Tidings that help them in life? Do the Conferences do this? How could this be improved?
In his letter of
Do the younger members live with a desire to adapt by listening to prayer and to their brothers and sisters?
Do your Conferences maintain the spirit of brotherly friendship that dominated the relationships between the first members?
Do the young members know the Rule of the Society? Do they read and meditate upon it frequently? Do they try to ensure that its philosophy permeates every moment of their lives?
Do the younger members feel challenged to fight poverty throughout the world or do they only feel responsible for poverty in their nearby surroundings?
Are the younger members aware of the responsibility that they are undertaking to continue the work of the Conferences beyond the lives of the senior members?
Do the younger members wish to communicate any further concerns to the Council General, besides the three themes dealt with during the Youth Days? What are they?
