Salesian Province of the United States West Collaborates with RASS to Enhance Social Work

The Salesian Province of the United States West recently held a meeting to analyze the situation of its social works. This meeting was directed by the “RASS” (Red América Social Salesiana), a network that creates articulation, training, and communication between more than 180 works and around 500 programs and social services in 22 countries of the American Continent. Father Alex Figueroa, the Director of the RASS, together with Zaida Sáenz (in charge of training and systematization) and Soledad Soto (in charge of communication), exposed the structure, operation, and strategic planning of the network to Father Fabian Cárdenas (Delegate of the Pastoral Juvenile), Juan Carlos Montenegro (Delegate of Social Work), and Luis Chacón (Coordinator of the Volunteer Program).

During the meeting, the RASS team highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication among the different social works of the Salesian Family. The network aims to create a space for sharing experiences and best practices, as well as for providing training and support to all the works that are part of it. The Salesian Province of the United States West has a significant presence within the network, with works such as the Salesian Family Youth Center being part of it.

The meeting was an opportunity to analyze the current situation of the social works of the Salesian Province of the United States West and to identify areas of improvement. Father Fabian Cárdenas, the Delegate of the Pastoral Juvenile, emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to youth ministry, one that goes beyond the mere provision of social services. He highlighted the need to focus on the spiritual and emotional needs of young people, as well as their physical and material needs.

Juan Carlos Montenegro, the Delegate of Social Work, stressed the importance of a participatory approach to social work, one that involves the communities in which the works are developed. He highlighted the need to work with local leaders and organizations, as well as with the young people themselves, to ensure that the social works are responding to the real needs of the community.

Luis Chacón, the Coordinator of the Volunteer Program, emphasized the importance of volunteerism in the Salesian Family’s social works. He highlighted the need to create spaces for young people to get involved in the works, not only as beneficiaries but also as active agents of change.

Overall, the meeting was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Salesian Family’s social works and to identify areas of improvement. The RASS network proved to be a valuable resource, providing training and support to the works and promoting collaboration and communication among them. The Salesian Province of the United States West expressed gratitude to the RASS for its support and commitment to the Salesian mission.