(ANS – Haledon) – From September 23 – 26, 2011, the directors of the Salesian (FMA/SDB) sending volunteer organizations of North America gathered together in Haledon, NJ, at the FMA Provincial House. The meeting’s main purpose was to find new ways to coordinate efforts in order to work with unity and efficiency in spear-heading the Salesian missionary animation of North America.
 
One task was to establish the name of this group. After discussion and brainstorming, the name chosen was “Bosco Young People in Action.”  This is a most appropriate name as, together, the six programs have sent - this year alone - more than sixty young adults, or young “at heart”, to participate in domestic and international mission.

Several topics were discussed by the members of “Bosco Young People in Action; North American Delegation”.  These include: creating an online pre-application form that will be used for all six programs.  The form itself has the capability of sorting prospective volunteers according to ear-marked criteria, directing them to the program that is the best match for them, according to their responses and needs; hosting a joint webpage that will provide information about all of the Salesian Volunteer Programs in the USA and Canada; reducing marketing costs through the production of comprehensive brochures, et al.; developing one common formation program which will be offered in collaboration at various sites and dates in North America.

Sr. Mary Gloria Mar, FMA, already began us on this journey by presenting the full curriculum for the Re-Entry retreat given to VIDES+USA volunteers returning from mission.  This is a vital part of a total formation program.  It is imperative that we help the volunteers spiritually and otherwise before, during, and after their experience.

One of the projects that “Bosco Young People in Action” has undertaken is the design and distribution of a Mission Calendar for the purpose of creating presence in our Salesian Communities, youth centers, schools, parishes, and Clubs.  This is one of the first steps in promoting and creating missionary culture in North America.     

The “Bosco Young People in Action” group will meet again in the Spring to discuss and develop the components of a unified formation program. 

Published 29/09/2011