On March 23, the St. John of God Fundraising Alliance Coordination Meeting was held at the General Curia of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God in Rome, with the participation of numerous organizations.
The following organizations attended the event: AFMAL NGO from Italy, Juan Ciudad ONGD from Spain, St. John of God Development Company from Ireland and the Netherlands from the Western European Province, the Association Pour l'Aide aux Jeunes Infirmes et aux Personnes Disicapés from France, and the Benito Menni Foundation of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the latter two as guests at the meeting.
The meeting allowed the NGOs present to showcase the international cooperation projects implemented over the past six years, present institutional videos, and present detailed reports on initiatives carried out, as well as present planned activities for the future.
The Alliance Coordinator, Brother MoisĂ©s MartĂn BoscĂĄ, Director of the Office of Missions and International Cooperation of the General Curia, opened the meeting. He greeted and thanked the members of the various humanitarian organizations for their participation.
At the beginning of the meeting, Father Renato Colizzi SJ spoke to describe the organization and modus operandi of the Jesuit European Network "Xavier." This presentation was very useful for learning about the efficient operational strategies and protocols implemented by the Jesuits in international cooperation interventions in developing countries.
After this first presentation, a very enriching debate ensued, in which everyone expressed their opinions on the measures that can be taken to improve the effectiveness of the Alliance's aid, both for the brothers and for addressing emergency situations. The Alliance meetings have always sought to build a network among the different associations of the Hospitaller Order, to direct the aid of each and every one toward improving the health and living conditions of those still living in extreme poverty and social unrest. There was a lengthy debate on the new structure of the Alliance proposed by the Coordinator, which provides for more specific and individual coordination for each area/sector of the Alliance, in order to transmit information more quickly. With a more organic structure, the Alliance would be more efficient, optimizing interventions and could also have a greater impact in terms of communication and fundraising, all while optimizing the resources and work of each NGO.
The Alliance is an important meeting place, a space for coordination and information exchange, and also allows for the joint development of projects. The Alliance's primary objectives are to educate, train, and raise awareness among individuals, stakeholders, and the media about the issues facing its member NGOs. Any improvements resulting from the meetings help strengthen assistance to people in need.
To conclude, Brother MoisĂ©s Martin BoscĂ oh, greeted and thanked the participants, inviting them to never stop, not even during this phase of changes, because âSolidarity is the firm and persevering determination to commit to the common good, for the good of all and each individual.â. Our Hospitaller Order, above all, must feel responsible for everyone, and it is necessary to share our commitment to helping the poor and needy with others. This can also occur through networking with other areas of the institution. Let us invite each other to walk; we must leave footprints along the way without ever ceasing to act.
Source: UMICOI
