What is the Vinnies Service Medallion?
The Vinnies Service Medallion (VSM) is a state-wide initiative by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW that recognises and celebrates the contributions of secondary students (Years 7–12) to community service, leadership, advocacy, and fundraising. The VSM provides a clear and flexible framework for students to engage in social justice while acknowledging their impact through a formal award.
Grounded in a strong commitment to service, the VSM supports students to grow as leaders of positive change while deepening their understanding of key social justice issues such as poverty, inequality, and community resilience. Through the program, students take part in practical experiences that foster empathy, build confidence, and inspire a lasting sense of civic responsibility.
The VSM is inclusive and strives to be accessible to all interested students. Students can participate with their school group or join as an individual. Participation in the Vinnies Service Medallion is free of charge, and all secondary students are welcome.
CHANGE STARTS HERE!
Aim
The VSM aims to enhance students’ knowledge regarding key social justice issues and provides a platform for students to demonstrate their strengths beyond the classroom, increasing employment and university admission prospects.
Our Vision
That all young people are afforded equal opportunities and are not limited by their geographic, socio-economic, or religious backgrounds. The VSM is intentionally inclusive, removing barriers to participation and welcoming diverse experiences and pathways.
Purpose
- To foster a culture of civic responsibility and service by recognising the strengths of young people as leaders of social change.
- To deepen students understanding of social injustices and enhance their capacity to act with compassion, whilst also providing tangible outcomes for broader communities.
- To provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage with real issues and practice the notion ‘see, think, do’.
- To support skill development that strengthens students’ future pathways (e.g. university applications, employment readiness).
Contact us
Our Vinnies Youth staff and Members are available to give presentations about the Vinnies Service Medallion, sharing how students can take meaningful action through service, advocacy, and leadership.
If your school isn’t yet connected with a regional contact, please see the list below to find the appropriate email for your area.
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- Armidale: armidaleyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Bathurst: bathdio@vinnies.org.au
- Broken Bay: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Greater Western Sydney: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Lismore: lismoreyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Maitland/Newcastle: mnyouth@vinnies.org.au
- Sydney: metroschools@vinnies.org.au
- Wagga Wagga: svdpwagga@vinnies.org.au
- Wilcannia Forbes: wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au
- Wollongong: wollongongyouth@vinnies.org.au
For general enquiries, please email: vsm@vinnies.org.au
Thank you for supporting the growth of student leadership and social justice through the VSM program.
From all of us at Vinnies Youth NSW, we look forward to partnering with your school to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Don’t forget to share your VSM pictures and stories by tagging us on your school’s socials!