“I want all young people with both head and heart
to assemble for some charitable work.”
– Blessed Frédéric Ozanam
Did you know SVdP was started by University students?
In 1833, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, a 20-year-old law student at the Sorbonne, responded to a challenge: What is your faith doing for the poor?
Inspired by the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, Frédéric and his friends sought to live out their faith through person-to-person encounters with those in need. They combined action with prayer, discussing ways to address the pressing needs of the poor in Paris. Their mission spread quickly, rooted in humility, simplicity, gentleness, zeal and selflessness.
Today, the Society continues Frédéric’s legacy, serving millions of people worldwide through compassion and personal encounters with those in need.
Get Involved!
Become a Member & Join SVdP in your Community-Youth and Young Adults (YYA)
YYA–Want to learn more about serving the poor while growing in faith on your campus or in your neighborhood?
1. YYA: join an Adult Conference
2. Youth & University Students: join or start a Youth Conference
3. YYA: volunteer with a Special Work of the Society (varies by location)
4. YYA: earn service hours
5. YYA: find a career with SVdP in your local area
email us: YYAEL@svdpusa.org
Service Project Ideas
Resources for Youth
Click on the links below:
Young Adults in the Society-You Belong!
- young adults new conference info Young Adult Conferences have the same startup and governance as Adult Conferences
- Can they be different? Options vary–email YYAEL@svdpusa.org to learn more
- Coming Soon–connect, find a career, volunteer, or earn service hours with your local SVdP
Leadership Development
Gain valuable leadership skills through hands-on experiences and mentorship. Become an officer (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Spiritual Advisor) as a member of the Society. You can also make a difference Nationally by being part of the Emerging Leaders Team through YYAEL.
Community Impact
Make a tangible difference in your community by participating in service projects and personal encounters with those in need. See and be the face of Christ through these service oppurtunities.
Spiritual Enrichment
Deepen your faith though prayer, retreats, and group reflections by learning and practicing the Vincentian Charism.
Journey together in holiness
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is dedicated to fostering the membership of Youth and Young Adults. By engaging with our mission to grow in holiness, Young Vincentians are empowered to lead and serve with compassion, recognizing and addressing the needs of those in poverty. Becoming a Vincentian (member of the Society) provides a platform for young members to grow spiritually, contribute meaningfully to their communities through service, and create lasting friendships.
Across the United States, youth and young adults are enthusiastically answering the call to join the Vincentian family, transforming their heartfelt concerns into impactful actions! From schools and universities to parishes and local SVdP Conferences, Councils and Special Works, Youth, Young Adults and Adults, collaboratively, are forming members driven by love and purpose. Their passion is essential to advancing the life-changing service to those in need of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Being a Vincentian is more than being a volunteer.
Being a member of the Society is living out our vocation to love God and thy neighbor.
What makes SVdP different?
- Rich Legacy: One of the oldest charitable organizations in the world, with a history of lasting impact.
- Faith in Action: We are a lay Catholic organization—we live out our Vincentian vocation by growing in holiness through service.
- International Impact: An international network of charity active in over 150 countries, uniting over 800,000 members in a shared mission.
- Commitment to the Poor: Dedicated to walking alongside those in need, offering friendship, service, and advocacy.
- Transformative Mission: Focused on restoring dignity, hope, and love to the marginalized.