During a three-day online meeting the Board met to discuss the results of the survey. Even though there is a great diversity in contexts, there were clear common themes in the needs of Salesian volunteer organisations throughout the world.
The results of the survey showed that there were three key areas of Salesian Missionary Volunteering that require the greatest amount of support: collaboration and networking; formation and professional training; accompaniment and support. With these three main areas of focus, the Board also considered how each of these areas impacted the different stakeholders: coordinators, receiving communities, volunteers, provinces (provincial, delegates, etc.) and congregation sectors.
Over the new few months, the Board will continue to collect data from key stakeholders in order to write a clear strategic plan for their goals and activities moving forward.
What is overwhelmingly clear is that it is an exciting time for volunteering in the Salesian Congregation. So many provinces are doing such great work in receiving and sending volunteers. It is a beautiful expression of a genuine shared mission between SDBs and the laity. The SMVS Advisory Board hopes to tangibly support this important ministry for the continued growth of Salesian Mission Volunteering within the Congregation.
