Project 2.1 - Vision for future Conference experiences

Pillar outcome: Establishing and Connecting Diverse Conferences

Issues

Novel and more flexible Conference models are needed to better suit the needs of increasingly diverse Members.

Existing Conferences will continue in their current form where that suits their Members. Alongside those Conferences, we seeing increasing numbers of ‘alternative’ Conferences that differ in how they meet, how they work and what they do.

Overall, this means increasing flexibility around Conferences, while staying true to our universal Vincentian story (Project 1.2).

Identified task(s)

Examples of future Conference models developed, including:

• Traditional Conferences
• Flexible conferences
• Special Interest / Works Conferences
• Regional Conferences
• Specific Cohort Conferences.

Success indicator(s)

To be confirmed.

Related sub-projects

2.2 Simplified Conference ‘starter pack’

2.3 Support systems for new Conferences

2.4 Sharing information and resources between Conferences

2.5 Whole-of-Society communication

3.1 Clarity on the pressures to adapt

3.2 The human interactions that support change

3.3 Promoting and sustaining experimentation

3.4 Accountability and following through

Progress

This Project is quite an involved and complicated Project, which has required very careful consideration by the Project Team on how to approach it.

The Project Team's starting point was to think about what types of Conferences exist within the Society today. Whilst not an exhaustive list, examples of existing Conference models include home visitation, support centres, refugee support, prison visitation etc. By considering our current ways of working, we can identify gaps to consider for future Conference models.

When considering the existing Conference models and how they operate, it has been necessary to take into account the impact the Rule Review may have. The challenge here is to continue to maintain the existing Conference models, which serve our community well, as well as trying to anticipate what is required in the future.

Amplification of the voice of regional Conference experiences is a key focus for the Project Team, particularly given the large geographical area and high needs of Companions that often occurs in regional Conferences.

As the thinking and careful consideration by the Project Team has evolved, they are not at a point of developing a 'Conference model template', which aims to draw out the key elements of different types of Conferences, as well as the similarities. For example, all Conferences are governed by the requirements of The Rule, which means there are many similarities. However, the types of Good Works or Special Works done by the Conference differ. 

Thinking about the changing needs of the community, and how the Society might be able to provide assistance, is the basis for thinking about new Conference models. These new models will be documented in the template, and hopefully trialled before being refined and shared.

Interested in knowing more about this Project, or getting involved?

All Congress Project Teams would welcome new members, including this project. Perhaps you are thinking about the services your Conference provides and looking for guidance, ideas, or resources. Or perhaps you have tried something a bit different and have some advice and guidance to share with the project team. Or perhaps you'd like to join the Project Team and work with them to develop these new models for Conferences.

Please email congress@svdp.org.au if you'd like to get involved.

Resources

Champion Lachlan D

Project team: Loma T, Alex V, Janelle K; Margaret G; Nadia L; Cathie P; Mike D; Dennis I. Members wishing to join this team should contact congress@svdp.org.au

State / Territory support:

• SA – new ways for Conferences
• NT – new Conference opportunity to apply learnings
• Tas – understand current Conference models, investigate new

National Support:

• Establish and maintain Teams site for Project Team
• Communicate on website
• Communicate with key internal governance bodies for advice on implementation, such as:
  • National Membership Network
  • National Mission, Membership & Spirituality Standing Committee
  • Spirit of Youth 
• Support each Congress Project Team

• NCS can be contacted on Congress related matters via congress@svdp.org.au

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