austraLasia #2386

Region's communicators place emphasis on deeper issues

SEOUL: 25th March 2009 -- Bringing their intense three day gathering to a close, the 18 people who have been examining the EAO Region's approach to social communication in Seoul's ample Provincial House quarters have opted for tackling the deeper issues raised by the 'new' culture created today by digital development, media, especially as these affect the young people whose salvation is at the heart of the Salesian mission.
     With the involvement of a number of those attending the meeting from the Region, the aim is to set up more than one forum according to circumstances for discussion of issues, which might include topics such as the spirituality of communication drawn from long Salesian tradition, and gaining up-to-date information on the real situation of today's young digital natives in the various East Asia and Oceania settings where we find them. Some of this will be achieved online. At some stage a well-prepared conference will be aimed for within the next few years to which delegates and their teams will be invited.  It will aim to provide expert and in-depth analysis of these kinds of issues as well as practical help to Salesians and lay partners who are involved with them.
    The delegates have also decided to bring together the Rector Major's call for a 'narrating of the Salesian story' for today's youth and the Asian Mission Congress call to 'tell the story of Jesus' by immediately collecting five stories of faith lived in the Salesian context from each of the delegates. These will be collated and edited by the two Philippines provinces delegates and offered as a resource in the region.
    Likewise in a practical vein, delegates felt that Salesian communities and provinces have a need for protocols which take account of life in a digital context; protocols which might help in communication of messages at various levels in the province, and provide guidelines for the use of intrusive technology in the context of community life. They are recommending that this issue be given at least some consideration in forthcoming Provincial Chapters in the region.
    The Seoul meeting has provided much-needed linkage between Social communications delegates and the realisation that help is at hand, especially for those new to the job. Delegates in this sector, as perhaps for other sectors too, change frequently, and there need to be ways to ensure continuity for the sector and support for the new person!
    There was a strong call for working towards a situation where the SC Delegate is either a member of the Provincial Council, or is frequently invited to consult with and inform the Council. This position was backed by the Regional Superior Fr Wong who felt that the involvement of this role at Council level was more than mere information providing; the effective communication of messages today requires specific skills which it is hoped that SC Delegates can advise on.
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Title: australasia 2386
Subject and key words: EAO Region General SC Delegates
Date (year): 2009