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).

Safeguarding

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that values and respects the dignity of all persons, especially the most vulnerable in our community.

Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults so that they thrive in their families and communities, is a fundamental aspect of our work in providing a hand up to those facing adversity.

The Society strives to work with the wider community to prevent all forms of abuse against children, young people and vulnerable adults and to ensure that the inherent dignity, care and wellbeing of all  vulnerable people is upheld.

The All VSM activities must be supervised and approved by your school. Students must not undertake activities on Vinnies sites or directly engage with people we assist unless explicitly pre-approved by Vinnies NSW. For safety and compliance, schools should coordinate with their School Engagement Officer to ensure all activities meet safeguarding and risk management protocols.Society is committed to continually assessing and evaluating its Safeguarding strategies to ensure that we are vigilant in our work to support and protect vulnerable people.

The Society will:

• • support and nurture all children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with the Society;
  • promote the rights, dignity and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults;
  • enable children, young people and vulnerable adults to fully participate in the Society and in their local communities;
  • ensure the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults and protect them from abuse and all forms of harm; and
  • always put the best interests of children, young people and vulnerable adults first.

All VSM activities must be supervised and approved by your school. Students must not undertake activities on Vinnies sites or directly engage with people we assist unless explicitly pre-approved by Vinnies NSW. For safety and compliance, schools should coordinate with their School Engagement Officer to ensure all activities meet safeguarding and risk management protocols.