Twinning is the way in which SVP Conferences around the globe are linked. It is embedded in our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam's, vision that all Conferences and Council be twinned to create a unique global network of charity, love and solidarity.
SVP England and Wales is currently 'twinned' with Conferences (volunteer groups) in India, Sudan, South Sudan, Grenada, Guyana and Romania.
The SVP is present in over 150 countries, with more than 800,000 members, and we are all interconnected through our twinning relationships.
In keeping with our principles, support is provided by members of the local SVP in each country on a person-to-person basis and each local SVP group decides how funds can be used most effectively to support those in need.
The financial support received by SVP groups in our twinned countries enables them to provide immediate emergency aid to those in need, as well as financing longer term projects and schemes, that help the local communities to become self-sufficient.
Through this unique scheme, Twinning enables SVP members to extend the practice of loving their neighbour to their fellow Vincentians overseas.
Conference twinning is the act of a Conference or Council in SVP England & Wales being twinned with a Conference in one of our twinned countries.
Prayer
It is important that the members of the twin Conference, and those they work to support, are prayed for regularly. This will include prayers at every Conference meeting, but can include other prayers and most especially having a Mass offered for the twin Conference.
Correspondence
Where possible it is important to exchange letters or e-mails at least twice a year to maintain contact, share information and learn. Messages are shared with all members of the Conference so that every member is involved and feels part of the world-wide Vincentian family.
Financial support
Twinning requires a regular commitment to send financial support to help the regular activities of the twin, such as food provision or supporting their 'adopted families'. The annual commitment will be between £150 - £200, depending on the country.
Alongside direct group twinning, the SVP in our twinned countries also run projects which are tailored to their communities specific needs. These projects may be run a local group of members or they may be run at a national level, depending on their size and scope. All projects are started as a result of members identifying a need and their commitment to tackling poverty.
Types of projects in our twinned countries, include but are not limited to:
Development projects are those that create sustainable and meaningful change by supporting the long-term community development and prosperity. Local income generation projects include supplying sewing machines to help start a tailoring business or livestock like chickens or cows through a livestock scheme. We also provide loans to help start small businesses.
Welfare projects are those that provide for the basic needs of an individual or community, such as food provision or access to medical care.
