The formation will not be limited to orientation or giving instructions on how to write a chronicle or news story, because its purpose is not to write a diary, but to narrate the significant events of the daily life of the religious community and mission. The course will include an initial time when participants will be reminded of the importance of preserving memory, the concept of chronicle and its meaning in the Salesian context, and will stimulate them to tell their stories.
Building on this foundation, expectations will be shared in relation to the course, challenges in news writing, and critical re-reading of past chronicles. Best practices will be shared and how to write stories with as much truthfulness as possible will be discussed.
The course is intended for reporters, secretaries, and rectors of Salesian presences (provincial offices, social works, schools, parishes).
The two online meetings, which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon (Brasilia time), shall focus specifically on the following topics:
- Importance of memory;
- The concept of chronicles, news reports;
- Historical overview of chronicles;
- Chronicles in Salesian reality;
- The structure of the chronicle or news report according to the guidelines of the Congregation;
- Recommendations for the quality of chronicle processing;
- Critical reading of excerpts from chronicles of different historical periods;
- Indicators of the quality of chronicles;
- Challenges in the news writing process;
- Best practices.
The course will be fully subsidized by the Association of Salesian History Scholars as a training action included in the annual work plan to contribute to the qualification of the work done on behalf of Salesian history and memory.
