Advocacy

What is Advocacy? The SSVP mission and values calls for supporting those who are marginalized, ensuring their dignity is respected and their voices are heard. The SSVP Rule calls us not only to provide help, but also to challenge unjust structures that create poverty. Advocacy is not political partisanship—it is about promoting fairness, compassion, and the common good.

Why is it Important? Advocacy addresses the causes of poverty, not just its symptoms. While direct service offers immediate relief, it cannot change the systems that keep people in need. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, Vincentians are called to uphold human dignity, live in solidarity, and work toward a more just society.

What Can You Do? Advocacy begins with listening during home visits. Vincentians can stay informed, share lived experiences, engage decision-makers, collaborate with others, and participate in SSVP initiatives.

BASIC INCOME GUARANTEE (BIG)

A Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) also known as Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) provides a reliable monthly income to ensure no one falls below a basic standard of living.

How Does BIG Help?

A Basic Income Guarantee provides more than financial support. It changes lives by creating stability.

Evidence from Canadian and global programs shows:

Reduces poverty and inequality
People are able to consistently afford basic necessities instead of relying on crisis support.
Improves health outcomes
With stable income, individuals experience less stress, fewer hospital visits, and better mental well-being.
Enhances housing stability
Families can maintain rent payments and avoid eviction or homelessness.
Supports employment and education
Contrary to common myths, most people continue working—often using the stability to:
Upgrade skills
Pursue education
Find more meaningful and sustainable employment
Strengthens families and communities
Parents gain time and capacity to care for children, leading to better developmental and educational outcomes.

BIG doesn’t create dependency

…it creates opportunity.
People move from constant crisis management to long-term planning and personal growth. It empowers individuals to contribute more fully to society with dignity and hope.

Why This Matters to SSVP

Every day, members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul encounter individuals and families facing impossible choices—between food and rent, medicine and utilities.

While our charitable works provide immediate relief, we are also called to address the root causes of poverty.

Basic Income Guarantee reflects our Vincentian values:

Dignity of the Human Person
Every individual deserves the means to live with basic security and self-respect.
Justice and Solidarity
Poverty is not just a personal struggle—it is often the result of systemic gaps. BIG helps correct these inequities.
Compassion in Action
We walk with those in need, advocating not only for assistance—but for lasting change.

BIG represents a shift from:

Vincentians, we are uniquely positioned to witness the realities of poverty and to advocate for meaningful solutions.

Supporting BIG allows us to amplify the voices of those we serve and help build a society where fewer people need emergency assistance.

Testimonials

“I’ll be continuing what I’m doing, but without fear and stress, and with a lot more confidence.”

“Basic income ‘unlocked dozens of doors for me,’ supporter says amid call for national program”

“All my life, as a child and now as an adult, I’ve had used winter coats. This is the first time I was able to buy a brand-new coat. Basic income is giving me an opportunity to go back to college, without stress about money.”

Take Action — Be a Voice for Change

Creating a more just and compassionate society begins with informed and active citizens. As Vincentians, we are called not only to serve—but to lead and advocate.

Here’s how you can help:

Learn & Share

Deepen your understanding of Guaranteed Basic Income and start conversations within your conference, parish, and community. Awareness is the first step toward change. Join the National Advocacy Committee to become informed and create change.

Advocate

Reach out to your Member of Parliament (MP):

Write letters or emails
Request meetings
Support policies that promote income security

Your voice, joined with others, can influence meaningful policy decisions.

Engage Your Parish & Community

Organize:

Information sessions
Guest speakers
Social justice discussions and help others see how BIG aligns with our shared values of dignity and care for all.

4. Witness with Compassion

Share stories from your Vincentian ministry (respecting confidentiality) to highlight the real impact of poverty and the need for systemic solutions.

Transcending Help - Advocacy

Advocacy is love in action, transforming compassion into lasting change.

Advocacy in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a vital expression of Vincentian charity. It goes beyond meeting immediate needs to addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice. Inspired by Frédéric Ozanam, advocacy begins with personal encounter —listening to those we serve and learning from their lived experiences.