Strengthening Vincentian Collaboration: Reflections and Challenges in the Service to the Poor #famvin2024

Reflections on the topics to be discussed at the Vincentian Family Meeting in Rome

Each week we will share a reflection on one of the topics related to the Vincentian Family gathering that will take place in Rome, from November 14 to 17, 2024.

Excerpt from an Address of John Darley, at the Vincentian Family gathering in Rome, Italy (January 22 – 24, 2016).

John’s article constitutes a relevant instrument of reflection – for national Councils, branches or associations of the Vincentian Family – on how to deepen our spirituality and the opportunities we have to live faithfully the Vincentian heritage entrusted to us.

John Darley has served as President of Depaul International from 2009 to 2023. He has worked at Shell International and after his retirement, he has devoted his life as a volunteer in the United Kingdom in the areas of criminal rehabilitation, homelessness, and international aid. He has expertise in business management, an acute understanding of the functions of governance and control, and a keen interest in mentoring.

Vincentian Collaboration, with over 350 years of history, stands as an emblematic example of joint work in service of the poor, following the principles established by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. At a recent gathering, John C. Darley of DePaul International reflected on the foundations, forms, and challenges of collaboration, offering perspectives drawn from his experience in the oil and gas industry and the nonprofit sector.

Solid Foundations for Collaboration

The Vincentian Family has built a strong and effective tradition of collaboration that is continuously renewed. This historic approach presents the challenge of further strengthening community work to achieve common goals. The renewal of the Spirit of Collaboration, deeply rooted in the Vincentian Family, must move forward in alignment with current needs.

Forms of Collaboration

Darley highlights various forms of collaboration in the business world: partnerships, joint ventures, consortia, and contracted services. However, his focus for the Vincentian Family is the clarity and documentation of any form of cooperation, ensuring that all parties understand the intention and structure of the agreement.

Motivations for Collaboration

Collaboration in the oil and gas industry is driven by three main factors: access to resources, sharing risks and benefits, and combining skills and resources. Darley suggests that these factors can also apply to Vincentian Collaboration.

Access to Resources: In the industry, small companies may need to partner with larger companies to exploit resources. In the Vincentian context, the “resources” are the poor and marginalized who need support. Projects initiated by members of the Vincentian Family may benefit from collaboration to achieve a greater impact.
Sharing Risks: In the hydrocarbon sector, sharing risks is common due to the high cost of exploration. For the Vincentian Family, while the parallel is not immediate, managing risks associated with projects can be crucial for success. Identifying and mitigating risks early on can prevent future problems.
Combining Skills: Collaborations allow for the sharing of knowledge and experience. The Vincentian Family has diverse capacities that, when combined, can optimize service to the poor. This aspect of collaboration finds fertile ground within the organization.

Keys to Successful Collaboration

Darley identifies several essential elements for success in collaboration:

Shared Goals: It is crucial for all parties to share and understand the goals of joint work. Different approaches can coexist as long as they are openly discussed and agreed upon.
Shared Values: Shared values among participants are fundamental. Within the Vincentian Family, these values are well established and provide a strong foundation for any collaboration.
Mutual Respect and Humility: Mutual respect and a willingness to listen and learn from others are crucial. Although in the business world this can be a challenge, the Vincentian Family has an advantage in this aspect. However, it is always important to evaluate whether humility and respect are genuinely practiced in all interactions.

Barriers to Collaboration

The barriers to successful collaboration include:

Lack of Trust: True trust is not documented on paper but is built through personal relationships. Distrust can undermine any collaborative effort.
Exercise of Influence: When one entity assumes a dominant role, others may feel marginalized. It is essential for all participants to have the opportunity to contribute to and influence the project’s direction.
Diverging Goals: Over time, the objectives of participants may change. It is important to have agreed-upon exit strategies to maintain harmony and adapt to new priorities without harming the beneficiaries.

Differences in Size in Collaborations

Working with entities of different sizes and capacities is a constant challenge. The key lies in mutual respect and the recognition that each entity brings unique knowledge and experience. In the Vincentian Family, collaboration between large and small organizations can be particularly beneficial if there is an appreciation for understanding local circumstances.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, Darley urges the Vincentian Family to leverage its historical strengths in collaboration and extend these models beyond its own boundaries. Working with other organizations can enhance capabilities and promote Vincentian values in the broader society.

Genuine collaboration is essential to building the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, following the example of St. Vincent and St. Louise and ultimately the message of Jesus Christ. Working together in service to those in need is a mission the Vincentian Family has successfully carried out for centuries and must continue to strengthen in the future.