Brazil. On 23 April 2021, the national Webinar of the Brazil Salesian Network for Social Action (RSB-Social) took place on the theme“Our identity and our commitments”. More than 350 people took part in the online meeting, including leaders and educators from Salesian social works, schools, and groups of the Salesian Family in Brazil.
The Webinar had the aim of presenting the Notebooks on the Organizational Identity of the Brazil Salesian Network in its social dimension and on the fundamental commitments that must be assumed collectively by all the members of the RSB-Social, and to generate reflections on the charismatic foundations and on the activities carried out in the Salesian educative-pastoral communities throughout Brazil.
The meeting was attended by the Formators and the authors who collaborated in the production of the Notebooks and in drafting the fundamental commitments. Through presentations and panels, they offered an overview of the contents, meanings, and implications of the tools made available for the social action of the Network.
The Notebooks are a collection of resources created with the aim of offering a common methodology for a synergistic action of the Works and Presences of the RSB-Social. Respecting the diversity and particularity of each one, the Notebooks provide reflection and orientation on the elements of the common Reference Framework.
These are practical tools that offer a basis for the development of formation processes, direct a renewed action based on interaction with the territory and on the reformulation of one’s educational proposal for children, adolescents, young people, and families. “Identity and commitment: two words that strengthen social action online” said Sr. Silvia Aparecida da Silva, Executive Director of RSB-Social.
Some participants highlighted:
“The Notebooks require maturity and spiritual and human growth to face the challenges towards a common vision and actions.”
“In the time in which we live, it is important to awaken the Salesian charism in us, so as not to lose hope in a better future for our children and adolescents.”
“The study of the charismatic identity is fundamental for us as social educators, to strengthen the sense of belonging to the educational mission.”
At the end of the event, the dates starting from June 2021 of virtual seminars were proposed to study the reflections on the Notebooks.
RSB-Social is an educational-pastoral network for the articulation, promotion, and strengthening of Salesian social action in Brazil. It promotes the integral development of the new generations and overcoming the various forms of poverty and social exclusion, referring to the Christian virtues and the Salesian charism to support children, adolescents, and young people in their fundamental choices of life and in society.
