Sustainability, Partnerships, and New Challenges

Sustainability, Partnerships, and New Challenges

RASS looks ahead to 2030

(ANS – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – September 10, 2026) – Sustainability, collaboration, and the ability to forge new partnerships were the key themes of the 2d day of the 17th meeting of Salesian Social Works and Services of the Salesian Social Network of the Americas (RASS), dedicated to sustainability, partnerships, and the future—looking ahead to 2030. It was a day of discussion and formation that brought together representatives of Salesian social works and services from the Americas, with the aim of strengthening a network called upon to respond to new social challenges.

The day began with a time of prayer and spirituality led by the Ecuador Province, in memory of FMA St. Maria Troncatti. Following a review of the key moments from the previous day (which ANS didn’t report on), the discussions also touched upon the themes of migration and the integration of young people in vulnerable situations into the labor market, with a particular contribution from the delegation from Haiti.

The formation session was led by Angel Gudiña, coordinator of the Don Bosco Network, exploring the theme of sustainability in Salesian social works and collaboration with non-Salesian organizations. Sustainability was presented not merely as an economic issue, but also as the ability to build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with a wide range of stakeholders: public institutions, businesses, 3d-sector organizations, the Church, the Salesian Family, and local communities.

Sustainability was addressed from a broad perspective, examining the relationship between feasibility, equity and sustainability. Models drawn from the business world and corporate social responsibility were presented, as were the 7 fundamental themes of social responsibility outlined in the ISO 26000 standard. Economic sustainability was described as a challenge that is simple to understand but complex to achieve, particularly for initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations.

The discussion continued with a round-table session attended by representatives from the business world, non-governmental organizations, and public institutions. Among the elements considered crucial for building lasting partnerships, trust, transparency, the ability to account for resources and, above all, the ability to demonstrate the impact of interventions in concrete terms emerged as key. The Salesians’ long experience working alongside vulnerable children and young people was also recognized, along with their ability to create safe environments and prevent situations of greater hardship.

There were also key challenges to address: reaching new territories and communities, strengthening work with migrants and young people experiencing homelessness, developing new programs, and raising the profile of the results of social initiatives, while remaining true to the Salesian mission and remaining open to changes in society.

In the afternoon, a participatory workshop looked directly toward 2030. RASS was described as a “well-structured,” “participatory,” “dynamic,” and “growing” network, capable of uniting organizations from different countries around a common mission. Future priorities identified included strengthening the network’s structure, securing its own resources, forging new alliances, and developing international volunteering.

Fr. Francesco Preite and Dr. Micaela Valentino also spoke during the day, addressing the work of the Salesians for Social [sic]. In particular, they discussed the Universal Civil Service program abroad as a potential area for collaboration with RASS. The initiative was presented as a formative experience in which young people take the lead in a mission open to the world. The proposal highlighted new prospects for international coordination, formation, and volunteer work.

The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, led by the Uruguayan Province and presided over by Fr. Federico Salmeron (of the North Argentina Province). He emphasized that the Salesian mission can’t be lived out or carried out in isolation, as it springs from a Church called to walk in communion and to be a sign of God’s love among young people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. Therefore, building alliances, collaborating, coordinating efforts between provinces, and remaining open to engaging with new social actors are essential ways of strengthening the mission of evangelization and education.

Fr. Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle, is one of the participants in the meeting.