Watch a recap video here! Thanks, Tyler, for your efforts in creating this.
YYAEL team members Andre, Tyler, and I, as well as our leader, Linda, attended and presented at the West Region Meeting 2025. We are all so grateful to Judy Dietlein, West Region RVP, for her kindness and willingness to involve us as presenters and attendees in the meeting. We are also thankful for Javier, who joyfully and benevolently welcomed us at the airport and throughout the meeting. Thank you to all those on LA Vincentian Services for welcoming and including us at your West Regional Meeting! Your efforts and dedication made for a wonderful meeting.
Thursday, May 1
We all arrived on Thursday morning and met Javier, who graciously picked us up and drove us to lunch and to do a little grocery shopping before the weekend took off. Once arriving at the hotel, we helped prepare by folding brochures and placing them in bags, aiding Ana in constructing the balloon arch, and setting out stickers and ribbons for fellow Vincentians’ name tags. After settling into our hotel rooms, we did a little exploring, journeyed to the social gathering, and met a few amazing Vincentians. Tyler and Andre enjoyed a meal with their fellow Contra Costa County Vincentians. At the same time, Linda and I met Lindy, a very enthusiastic Vincentian who wanted to involve more Youth in her area. After the social gathering, Andre, Tyler, and I did a recap of Thursday, with hearts and minds anxious and excited for Friday, our presenting day.
Friday, May 2
Early Friday morning, Andre, Tyler, and I went for a refreshing walk around the hotel, and by 7:45, we were eating breakfast. With our blue YYAEL polos, khakis, somewhat rested minds, and our enthusiasm to present, we were ready for Friday. Starting with Michael Acaldo’s moving Keynote, “Our Vincentian Charism in Today’s World,” he reminded us to “look through our Vincentian lens” rather than a secular lens and that providing love to those we meet is critical. Of this Keynote, Andre reflected this, “We all have to open our eyes and see that our encounters with those we serve have meaning and bring them hope, which in turn fills me with hope and makes me want to continue serving.”
After the Keynote, we all attended Workshop Block #1, “How to Build a Conference Donor Base.” This was very informative and well done, providing key details and tips on better fundraising, even if you are like me and do not like asking people for money. We then enjoyed a great lunch. I met Vincentians Terri and her husband, who were passionate Vincentians who deeply cared for those in their community.
Moving on to Workshop Block #2, Linda and I attended “A Partnership with Seattle Public Utilities,” an exceptional partnership that helps and provides food, water, and friendship to those living in RVs along the streets of Seattle. Andre and Tyler attended “Charity Vision: Looking Deeper, Seeing More.”
It was then the time we were all anticipating–Workshop Block #3: “YYAEL–Perspectives on YYA in the Society.” We had an amazing time presenting and sharing ways to better engage and maintain YYA in the Society. Andre led and closed in prayer; Tyler highlighted a unique way to engage YYA: hosting an SVdP-themed Spiritual Retreat for YYA in one’s community; Linda encouraged Conference Coaches to be flexible; I emphasized the importance of creating servant leaders. We all answered various questions about YYA’s presence in Society, what that looks like, and to ensure that as Conference Coaches, those mentoring the Youth reflect and have an open mind to the Youth’s perspectives and ideas. Shoutout to Steve and Frank, Tyler and Andre’s Conference Coaches, who added some great insight.
Thank you to all who attended! “We were so blessed to have so many Vincentians attend our workshop. It was inspiring to see their love for young people and their zeal for involving Youth and Young Adults in the Society and fostering Emerging Leaders!” expressed Tyler.
To celebrate a successful workshop, Andre, Tyler, Linda, and I walked to a cafe and enjoyed their coffee, matcha, and smoothies. We then returned to the hotel and dressed for the Host City Event at the Queen Mary, roaring 20s themed. A short bus ride to the ship, and we were there. We savored delicious food, a delightful photo booth, and a chilly walk around the ship. Some of us danced, though I must note, it was not Tyler or me. Nonetheless, it truly was a fantastic experience aboard the Queen Mary. We returned to the hotel, and Andre, Tyler, and I did our Friday recap video, with Friday coming to a close all too swiftly.
Saturday, May 3
We walked to our breakfast on Saturday morning and attended Tim Williams’s Spiritual Reflection. Andre noted this about the Reflection: “We must continue to see God in those we serve by embodying love through our actions.”
We then listened to the West Region Update, and according to Tyler, “It was incredible to see how much we as a Society came together. Hearing about what happened during the Palisades and Eaton fires was eye-opening. Still, during the video, it was inspiring to see Vincentian support coming from everywhere, whether through prayers, donations, or even volunteers on the front lines. We really are one united Society, and this shows that.”
After lunch and our final workshop, Tyler and I attended “Leadership in Action: Unlocking the Power of Governance,” and Andre and Linda split between the other two, we all participated in the Poverty Simulation, which was an eye-opening experience to have to “walk” in the footsteps of many of our Friends in Need. It was stirring to experience the limitations and struggles many of those we help go through daily; it was chaotic and challenging to know where to start to ensure one’s “family” was fed, was paying rent for a “place” over their heads, and was traveling to the right places first to ensure maximum usage out of their transportation passes, amongst other scenarios that truly happen in real life. Much appreciation to Albert and Alicia, two cheerful and wonderful Vincentians, for being my “family,” my “brother,” Harvey, and “Mom” are close to my heart.
After the Poverty Simulation, Tyler and Andre left, as they had to return home for a Confirmation Rehearsal that they helped lead. Linda and I attended Mass, which was beautifully done, and a tasteful Closing Banquet to end the day.
Although the West Region Meeting ended Saturday night, our hearts are full and enkindled with the desire to continue evangelizing and spreading the word about the Society.
