Society of
Toronto Central Council Conference President’s Role
Role: (as
stated in the new National Rule, 2007)
In general the conference president
helps to conference to achieve its two main objectives: to serve the poor and
to allow the members to act on and grow in their faith.
Duties & Responsibilities:
As the
servant leader of the conference, the president must:
ü
take
the fullest, most active interest in the welfare of the members;
ü
support
and assist them in their Vincentian actions as circumstances require;
ü
meet with any member who does not attend meetings
to discuss the situation.
It is the
president’s responsibility to:
ü
maintain
the membership of the conference and provide positive reinforcement to the
members,
ü
encourage the recruitment of new members.
To realize
the main objectives of the Society, the president should:
ü
allocate
a reasonable quantity of charitable work and various other tasks to each
conference member;
ü
make sure that all tasks are properly carried out.
The
president should:
ü
avoid
autocratic behaviour;
ü
never
claim, in the execution of his or her duties, special privileges or
distinction;
ü
act
with a considerable measure of humility;
ü
always keep in mind that the president is at the
service of the members.
The
president develops working relations with:
ü
neighbouring
conferences,
ü
the
parish council,
ü
agencies and government welfare organizations.
The
president should serve as a model of the Society’s spiritual mission and, at
each conference meeting, ensure that there is a reading, carefully chosen for
the spiritual benefit of the members.
The
president should be an experienced, active member who possesses a thorough
knowledge of the Rule and its application, and who understands and values the
culture of the Society.
To ensure
the uninterrupted pursuit of the work to which much effort has been devoted,
the president should personally see to the preparation of one or more possible
successors.
It is
important for the president to remain fully informed of the needs of those
served and of the work of the members without, however, monopolizing the work.
As much as
possible, decisions should be taken collectively to foster a community/team
spirit within the conference both in its orientation and in its activities.
The
president ensures that links and communication are effectively maintained
between the conference and the council to which it is attached.
As a voting
member representing the conference at higher councils, the president shall
attend and participate in meetings held by these councils. If unable to attend,
the president shall be represented by a substitute designated by proxy.
The
president represents the conference in contacts with the local civil and
religious authorities and should take advantage of such contacts to acquaint
fellow parishioners and other members of the community with the needs and
achievements of the Society.
The
president shall see to it that reports are submitted to the higher council, as
requested.
The conference president role is a pivotal one within the Society. If the conference has lost its spiritual base or its focus or its dedication to serving those in need, the Society is less effective and less relevant. Without conference presidents who take on the role because they feel called and because they are dedicated to keeping the conference spiritual, vibrant and relevant, what future can the Society have?
Ideally, the president of a
conference should reside within the limits of the area (e.g.: parish) served by
the conference.
The
president should not hold two presidential offices. If a conference president
is elected to the presidency of a council, the conference must elect a new
president.
Requirements:
Like the vice-president, the president must be a full member
and a Roman Catholic.