Guidelines for New Members
Under 18 Years of Age

The Membership Policy defines a member, in part, as someone who “…is 18 years of age or older (but the Conference president may approve 16 or 17 year old applicants…);”  This membership requirement is in no way meant to prevent or discourage young people from service to the poor through activities of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as General Volunteers.   We continue to welcome and value the involvement of young people in activities such as Bundle Weekends and Christmas assistance programs.

Where a young person under 18 years of age wishes to apply for membership, the decision to approve membership rests with the Conference president.  However, the Conference president is asked to follow these guidelines, which have been  designed to serve the best interests of those being served, as well as the member and the Conference.

1. An applicant under age 16 will not be considered for membership.
    
2. In most cases, a 16 or 17 year old person will only be considered for membership if a close family member is currently an active member of that Conference.
   
3. The young applicant will meet all the requirements for membership (as listed in the Membership Policy), except for the age requirement and obtaining a Police Records Check (which is not available for people under the age of 18).
   
4. The President and Interviewer must be convinced that the applicant has the appropriate maturity and motivation to serve those in need.
   
5. The young member will be accompanied by the family member on all home visitations.
   
6. Before accompanying the family member on home visitations, that member will verify that the families are not known to the young person through school or work. 
   
7. The family member will ensure that the young person fully appreciates the importance of keeping all information about clients in confidence.

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