Society of St Vincent de Paul, Council of Seattle / King County
GUIDELINES FOR PRECINCTS
Adopted by the Board on 11-19-2013 (replaces 2005 version)
PRECINCT GOALS
In general, Precincts hold meetings to foster communication, friendship and support between Conferences. We meet to encourage our spiritual growth and improve our service to the poor.
The Board has identified some particular goals to be accomplished through Precincts:
• Formation / Spirituality.
Conferences share best practices and ideas about formation and spirituality.
• Recruiting enough members to serve.
Conferences share best practices and ideas about successful recruiting & retention.
• Financial Support
Conferences share best practices and ideas about successful fundraising.
Conferences establish twinning relationships where possible, to share their blessings.
• Logistical support to enhance Conference service to the poor.
Conferences share information about referrals to support the poor.
VOTING MEMBERS
Each Conference within a Precinct shall select one representative who shall be a voting member of the Precinct.
OFFICERS
Precinct Chair, elected by the Precinct voting members, have overall leadership of their Precincts, serve three-year terms renewable once.
Secretary, appointed by the Chair, keeps minutes of Precinct meetings and circulates them to Conferences in the Precinct.
Precinct chairs can engage other Vincentians in other roles if they find that useful.
MEETING AGENDA
Agendas should be circulated in advance and should generally follow the usual SVDP meeting model.
REGULAR MEETINGS
Precincts should meet as often as necessary but at least quarterly.
OPEN MEETINGS
Precinct meetings are open to Vincentians, and should be publicized in advance so those who are interested can attend. Minutes should be published afterward to keep everyone informed.
BOARD DIRECTOR FROM PRECINCT
Each Precinct elects one Director to the Council Board. See attached Council Bylaws for details.
