By Salesian Economy Sector

       Rome and the world, 14 February 2022 -- The "SDBChange Congress" (Rome, 19-23 September) takes place during a tremendous turbulence that has gripped all our life systems. But this turbulence also has a positive side: crises dissolve locked-in patterns of thinking and destroy what no longer fits and has become superfluous. They force innovations that had previously remained dormant. We have included several topics on the Congress agenda that we will describe later, but the most important and decisive part will be the participants (Provincial Economers, PDO directors, Mission office and fund-raising directors). Through their experiences and challenges the focus will be on future prospects, learning to take account of our traditions to create new things, to continue to transmit Don Bosco's ideas to young people.

       With experts in the sector we will discuss and be informed of solutions to find and implement in order to achieve a Sustainable Economy: energy, water, food and self-sustainability (production, responsible administration, fundraising). Don Bosco is the dawn of a new era throughout the world, one of shared responsibility for keeping our planet habitable.

       We know that in the Gospel we find the true and only source of our mission among the young, and this is why we will explore the topic of our Spirituality and Salesian leadership (Human Resources, safeguarding, transparency), because in these times of crisis, Salesian spirituality gives us comfort, strength and shows us a new vision of the future with a profound meaning.

       Many of us have not yet understood how Artificial intelligence (AI) has already changed our lives and will determine it even more. So, at the Congress we want to show how artificial intelligence can help us to understand the new (dis)order in the world and survive.

       Financial collapse, especially for the truly poor and disadvantaged in society, requires a new way of thinking about communication– not just to find the finances for our work, but also to find suitable people. Since new forms of communication are pragmatic future programs, we need to learn how, when, where and with whom to communicate so that our young people get the support they need.

       The basis of successful revolutions is everyday life, and such a revolution is urgently needed in the field of fighting corruption, which is very damaging to our institutions and which we must fight more clearly at its roots.

       The Congress has already begun. Everyone can take part, discuss or put questions through our social media. Its purpose is what its title says: Change and Opportunity.

       You can find many inspirational and brief items of input, triggers, on the 'SDBChange' website - starting from the Economer General, Br. Jean Paul Muller, through to the FIN Provincial, Fr. Gerry Martin and lay mission partners from the Central Economers Office in Rome. Even if you are not a Provincial Economer, during the next 6 months you may be inspired by the ongoing preparation for this Salesian Economy Forum 2022.

• SDB Change: Website (ENG-ITA)
• SDB Change: YouTube Channel
• Fr Gerry Martin, FIN - about Salesian Economy Today

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