Welcome to the Mini Vinnies Leaders’ Zone. This space contains everything you need to know about setting up and running a successful Mini Vinnies’ group, whether in a school or parish setting.
Although the Mini Vinnies’ group is a student-led group, at least one adult supervisor/mentor, known as a Vincentian Coordinator (VC), is needed. This person is the main point of contact between the children in the group and the wider society (SVP). They are also there to advise and help develop the children’s ideas on how to turn concern into action.
After expressing interest in setting up a group, you’ll have full support from the SVP’s Youth Team, as well as from a regional volunteer (where possible), known as a Young Vincentians Development Officer (YVDO).
• Fill in the ‘New group’ application form
• Have an initial meeting with a member of the SVP Youth Team or YVDO
• Explore the shop to order your starter kit and other resources
• Organise an introductory assembly for the children to find out more (with the support of the SVP Youth Team or YVDO)
• Recruit your Mini Vinnies
• Commission your new group
• Have your first meeting (get started with our new starter sessions)
• Start turning concern into action
All of the Mini Vinnies’ resources can be ordered via our online shop. Don't forget to check out all of our online resources too on the Mini Vinnies' website. There is also a great writing application resource to help recruit your Mini Vinnies.
If your school/parish would prefer to be invoiced, use our order form to complete your order and email it back to [email protected]
A great way to get your meetings started is by using our pre-prepared ‘New Starter Sessions’. These build up the children’s knowledge of what it means to be a Mini Vinnie and gets them used to the structure of a meeting.
Our map for the year will help to see how you can stay connected with the SVP throughout the year. New resources will be highlighted to you via our Mini Vinnies termly e-news. Sign up here if you haven't done so already.
Where possible, we try to link you up with other Young Vincentian groups (Mini Vinnies, Youth SVP, SVP1833) and adult SVP Conferences (groups). This helps the children see that they are part of a big Vincentian family. Click here to find out more about building your network.
We love to hear how your Mini Vinnies are getting on throughout the year, so do send us updates via [email protected]. If you’d like to be featured in the e-news, send us a short description of a project, along with a photo. We will need photo consent with your submission. Click here for our group declaration form or click here for individual photo consent forms.
For any queries about the Mini Vinnies' programme, please call our work line on 07774 256 129 to reach the Mini Vinnies' Manager.
