Three Reflections from the 17th RASS Meeting

By Jc Montenegro, SUO Province’s Mission Animation Delegate

I recently returned from Santo Domingo, where I had the opportunity to represent the Salesian Family Youth Center at the 17th Social Works and Services of the Salesian Social Network of the Americas (RASS) Meeting. It was a great opportunity to connect with Salesian social works from across the Americas, and I came home reflecting on three things.

First, we are stronger when we work together. We face many of the same challenges in different parts of the world. RASS gives us the opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another, and bring new ideas and solutions back to our local communities.

Second, we must remain faithful to our mission of serving young people who need us most. Poverty is not only about money. Sometimes what young people are missing is opportunity, education, safety, support, or simply someone who believes in them. Our mission is to see young people in their whole identity and create the conditions for them to grow.

Third, sustainability is about relationships. One phrase from the meeting stayed with me: “We have to move from donation to partnership.” Strong communication, accountability, collaboration, and trust allow us to build partnerships that can create lasting opportunities for young people.

I also left RASS realizing that SFYC has something important to contribute. Our work in communication, public relations, accountability, and especially giving young people a voice are experiences we can share with the broader Salesian network.

Jc wrote a reflection about the experience and what it means for the Salesian mission. Click here to read it.