By proposing a model of approach and integration of social works, respecting the diversity and particularity of each one, the Notebooks offer a guide and a reflection on the elements present in the proposed Reference Framework. As practical tools, they serve to guide the entire RSB-Social in its purposes and to support alignment with the principles, to provide a basis for conducting training processes, to guide a renewed action built on interaction with the territory, and to open local presences to the much-needed re-defining of their educational offers to children, adolescents, young people and their families.
The preparation of the Notebooks is the result of a whole process of collective reflection and construction on how to create a methodology for articulating the Social Works of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in view of coordinated online action.
Once the path and the form had been defined, it was a question of aligning visions, strategies, guiding contents, tools ... In this sense, the creation of the Notebooks can be considered a theoretical-practical alignment model for all the dimensions that can be involved in a similar process.
Each of the four Notebooks responds to a specific objective:
Book 1 explores the Organizational Identity of the RSB in its social dimension, defining the alignment points on the Charismatic Identity and on the Commitments to be assumed collectively by all the members of the Network.
Book 2 focuses on the educational-pastoral identity, leading the Works and Presences to perceive more clearly the concept and practice of the educational-pastoral processes and what is the relationship with the charism animated by Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, which must permeate all Salesian educational action.
Book 3 seeks to revive and strengthen the element of Charismatic Identity. Among the various elements, the focus was on the Educational Method: Preventive System and Human Rights; and on the awareness that Salesians, FMA and laity are fundamentally "Educators of Youth", who accept the principles of Social Education to the extent that they act with professionalism and competence and enrich them with the Salesian method.
Finally, Book 4 is made up of a set of 6 files which, through various themes, seek to promote actions that foster and strengthen a network and harmony between all.
Noteworthy is the process through which these notebooks are drawn up. If, in fact, for each of them there was a referent or a central coordination team, at the same time, there was a collective and artisanal construction that involved university professors, experts outside the Salesian environment, public administrators, magistrates, members of social organizations, professionals belonging to Salesian social works and also young people participating in projects carried out in some Salesian works.
