The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud to unveil the Membership & Volunteer Strategy 2024–2028, a forward-looking plan endorsed by the State Council in October. This strategy aims to ensure the sustainability of the Society's vital work while growing and supporting its membership and volunteer base.

Members and volunteers are at the heart of everything the Society does, and this strategy recognises their pivotal role in delivering services that transform lives across NSW. By focusing on retention, growth, and collaboration, the strategy builds on past successes, including a 10% increase in overall membership and a significant growth in youth engagement.

The strategy’s three key priorities are:

• Better retaining existing members and volunteers: New initiatives will focus on meaningful onboarding, recognition, and understanding the reasons behind attrition, with the aim of reducing loss rates year-on-year.
• Growing the member and volunteer cohort: The goal is to achieve a 15% increase in members and a 12% increase in volunteers by 2028, with a focus on attracting young members and creating new opportunities for diverse participation.
• Improving communication and collaboration: By enhancing how the Society connects with members and volunteers, the strategy seeks to increase satisfaction and engagement levels across the board.

The strategy’s actions highlight the Society’s commitment to strengthening communities and transforming lives, including establishing new Conferences and implementing targeted recruitment campaigns, It aligns with the Society’s overarching 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, ensuring its goals are both actionable and measurable.

A Collaborative Approach: The Vinnies Vans Connection

Complementing this strategy is the Vinnies Van Services NSW Strategy 2024–2028, which focuses on expanding the reach and impact of the iconic Vinnies Vans. Operating across NSW, the vans provide mobile outreach services, including food, social connection, and critical referral support to those in need.

Key objectives of the Vinnies Vans Strategy include increasing van stops in disadvantaged areas, developing mobile daytime hubs, and enhancing volunteer training to ensure high-quality support. By integrating efforts, such as joint recruitment campaigns and shared operational learnings, these strategies create a holistic approach to supporting vulnerable communities while fostering a culture of collaboration within the Society.

We encourage all Members to review these strategies and consider how they can contribute to their success. Together, we can build a vibrant and resilient Society that continues to deliver hope and assistance to those in need.