Por JC Montenegro, PhD

(Bellflower, California) – The Continental Meeting of Salesian Works and Social Services of America, held in Aparecida, Brazil, from September 9 to 13, 2024, marks a transformative step for the Salesian community, focusing on youth advocacy and development. Under the theme #SoñandoenRed (Dreaming as a Network), the gathering brought together over 120 Salesian leaders, youth representatives, and key stakeholders to address the urgent challenges facing young people across the continent. This event calls for global collaboration and local action to better support vulnerable youth through innovation, partnership, and impactful engagement.

At the core of the discussions was recognizing young people as a crucial and dynamic demographic facing mounting challenges from global crises such as economic instability, social isolation, and insufficient public policies. Fr. Miguel Ángel García Morcuende emphasized twelve significant areas affecting youth, including mental health, education, gender-based violence, and employment insecurity. These insights underscore the Salesian community’s need to deepen its understanding and craft tailored interventions for youth development.

The meeting also marked the 25th anniversary of the Salesian Social America Network (RASS), celebrating the power of collaboration in amplifying the reach and impact of Salesian works. Participants reaffirmed the importance of building a cohesive global network to support communication, share resources, and coordinate efforts to address the needs of the communities they serve.

Implementing strategies that create tangible results is essential to ensuring that the commitments from this continental gathering resonate at the local level. By engaging local communities in collaborative efforts, Salesians can tailor their programs to the specific challenges faced by young people in each region while drawing inspiration and insights from global best practices.

Some Ideas of Local Collaboration: Strategic Actions

1. Establish Local Listening Sessions: Facilitate regular listening sessions with youth to understand their evolving needs and aspirations. These insights will guide program development and service offerings.
2. Create Youth Advisory Councils: Empower young people by integrating their perspectives into decision-making through Youth Advisory Councils that influence the direction of local programs.
3. Build Collaborative Partnerships: Strengthen ties with local schools, organizations, and community groups to expand resources and opportunities for youth support services.
4. Implement Training for Staff and Volunteers: Equip Salesian staff and volunteers with training on youth engagement, mental health, and socio-economic awareness to enhance their ability to support young people’s needs.
5. Promote Community Volunteerism: Encourage community members to get involved through mentorship and volunteer programs that help build a supportive and nurturing environment for youth.
6. Offer Skill Development Workshops: Implement workshops focused on essential life skills like financial literacy, job readiness, and digital skills, empowering youth for future success.
7. Leverage social media for Youth Engagement: Use social media and technology to raise awareness, connect with young people, and foster dialogue about local initiatives and success stories.
8. Measure and Share Local Impact: Develop a framework for tracking and reporting the outcomes of local programs, sharing these results with the broader Salesian network to build accountability and celebrate achievements.
9. Encourage Global Youth Participation: Motivate youth to participate in global Salesian initiatives to foster cross-cultural exchanges and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
10. Foster a Culture of Hope and Aspiration: Cultivate a spirit of empowerment among young people by highlighting success stories and encouraging them to dream big and pursue their goals.

By implementing these strategic actions, local Salesian works can effectively contribute to the global vision set forth during the Continental Meeting. Together, they can create a stronger, more united Salesian network that supports the holistic development of youth worldwide. This collaboration will enhance the lives of the young people they serve and build a foundation for a more just and equitable society.