Voice of the Poor

Seeking Charity & Justice, Serving in Hope!

Mission Statement

The St. Vincent de Paul Society believes in the preferential option for the poor. We support progressive social teaching and advocate for justice on behalf of the needy.

What is Voice of the Poor (VOP)?

Voice of the Poor is the advocacy arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We are challenged to create conditions for marginalized voices to be heard, to defend the defenseless and to assess policies and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor.

Voice of the Poor calls Vincentians to speak to the larger society with a single voice and address root causes of poverty.

How does VOP serve the Poor?

Voice of the Poor activities are a natural extension of our roles as Vincentians. Members of the Society serve on the front lines, in solidarity with the poor by providing food, shelter and other emergency services. However, lasting long-term assistance to the poor requires looking at the larger political and economic picture.

Guided by the fundamentals of progressive social teaching, VOP committee members research and evaluate issues and  governmental policies. VOP works to educate Vincentians and decision-makers regarding the impact of legislation on the poor and marginalized.

Position statement of VOP

Here as elsewhere, the preferential option for the poor is the central priority for policy choice.
–USCCB Economic Justice for All

We believe that all people have a right to the basic necessities of life, including:

• Safe and affordable housing
• Sufficient and nourishing food
• The opportunity to earn a fair wage
• Access to affordable quality health care
• A quality education for their children

Legislative Priorities

Voice of the Poor continues to advocate for:

• Health care for the working poor
• General Assistance for the disabled
• Supportive housing for the homeless
• Affordable housing
• Consumer protection for payday loans
• Early childhood development programs
• Subsidized childcare for the working poor
• Removal of Kidcap from AZ welfare law
• Fair wages
• Fair and just immigration reform

The National Legislative Agenda for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul can be found at: www.voiceofthepoor.org

JOIN VOICE OF THE POOR!

The time is now to step forward and, in the spirit of justice and charity, help the disadvantaged take their rightful and respectful place in society.