Social Justice
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is concerned not only with alleviating people's immediate needs but also with addressing the unjust structures that cause it.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is concerned not only with alleviating people's immediate needs but also with addressing the unjust structures that cause it. The Society is therefore committed to identifying and speaking out against the root causes of poverty and disadvantage to create a more just and compassionate community (The Rule, Part 1, Chapter 7).
Building on the legacy of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s founder, Frederic Ozanam, we speak out against social injustice. A leading thinker and social activist, Frederic fought for social rights such as the right for a natural wage covering all necessities of life, and for a just distribution of wealth amongst citizens.
Today, we continue to raise our voice, with the people we assist, to challenge the circumstances that stop people from living the full and dignified life they should enjoy. Will you join our network of social justice advocates across the state?
No matter your experience, location or availability, we have meaningful ways for you to get involved in social justice advocacy:
- Join our NSW Social Justice Network – Our network is a community of people committed to building a more just and compassionate NSW. Together, we take actions like collecting signatures for petitions, visiting our MPs, and hosting community events. Click here for more information.
- Join your local social justice network – Local networks are opportunities for our members to connect with others in their area, support the local implementation of campaigns, and to identify, discuss and respond to social justice issues locally. We currently have local social justice networks in Sydney Arch, Broken Bay, Wollongong and Lismore Central Councils. Email us for more information about an existing network, or if you are interested in being part of a new network in your area.
- Become a Social Justice Representative – Social Justice Representatives at the Conference, Regional and Central Council levels work together to build empowered communities who speak up and advocate for change. If you are interested in becoming a representative, read the role description, and email us to connect with existing representatives in your area.
- Take action - Support our current advocacy campaign, attend a social justice event, access our social justice resources or inform yourself by reading our latest newsletter (see below).
Currently, the Society NSW's social justice advocacy focuses on three priorities:
We also advocate on issues relevant to the people we assist and our services, including:
- Domestic & family violence
- Refugees and people seeking asylum
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Climate Justice
We support our First Nations Peoples’ Uluru Statement from the Heart, and work towards equity under the guidance of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Social Justice Newsletters
Click here to access our NSW Social Justice Newsletters.
To receive regular, current updates and opportunities to take action, as well as upcoming Social Justice dates and events, subscribe to the Social Justice newsletter .
Conference Reflection and Action Kits
- Housing & Homelessness Conference Reflection & Action Kit
- Uluru Statement Conference Reflection & Action Kit
Member Social Justice Resources 2023