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Shaping the future of global communications
An ad hoc committee formed during the SIGNIS Assembly of Delegates has identified three key priorities to guide the SIGNIS Board. The mandate, to be actioned through 2026, was developed by the committee to establish a strategic direction for the organization, taking into account the Synodal Process, the Mission of SIGNIS, and the work of the previous SIGNIS Board.
The committee took into consideration the outcome of several meetings held by SIGNIS President Helen Osman and other delegates over the past few months, who in the spirit of embracing the synodal process, shared what was needed most in their Regions in terms of media and communication.
The three main priorities that were identified are Formation, Engaging Youth and Women as active protagonists, and Advocacy/Awareness.
Formation
The committee considers formation essential at all levels of the organization. Professional and Spiritual formation address the diverse realities of all the regions of SIGNIS around the world and respond to their needs at grass roots level. A synodal attitude through active listening is the strategic tool to identify mainpriorities and propose formation projects that reflect the mission and vision of SIGNIS in the culture of global communications.
Engaging youth and women as active protagonists
Forming young professionals yields committed individuals that are equipped to provide a dynamic renewal to the organization while carrying forward its legacy. The emancipation of women is essential at grassroots level to promote an equal integration in all activities and distribute on of leadership roles for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Advocacy and Awareness
In order to advocate for SIGNIS we need to develop branding strategies that
promote the values of the organization outside our own community. Advocacy and awareness will ONLY occur with the creation of a solid and effective strategic communications plan with consistent brand messaging and specific goals that can be measured overtime.
The organization must be open to incorporate professionally trained people
who identify with the mission and vision of SIGNIS, even if they are not part of the inner structure of the Church.
It is essential to develop a culture focused on strong internal communications so that all members know how SIGNIS works, its structure and its influence in the world of communications.
The committee also recognizes the importance of incorporating professionals who identify with SIGNIS’ mission and vision, even if they are not part of the inner structure of the Church. Inclusivity and a strong focus on internal communications are seen as essential elements for fostering a culture of understanding among all members.
With these priorities established, the mandate reads as follows:
1. To focus on formation for social transformation.
- Develop projects and concrete actions that have an impact on public policies including the marginalized of society.
- In keeping with our Christian duty to protect the most vulnerable, the elderly, women, and the young, we must include policies across the regions of SIGNIS to implement a safeguarding protocol for all members.
2. To develop ways to strengthen the identity of the organization and its work to include the participation of two important groups: youth and women.
- Develop the identity of SIGNIS as a lay organization and avoid clericalism. Focus on communications for evangelization initiatives and structures that prioritize and encourage the involvement and leadership of women in the areas of human rights, social justice and the care of creation.
- Equip young people with critical communications and interdisciplinary media skills (media management, content creation, writing, etc.) so they can propagate the SIGNIS message.
3. To redefine the work of the desks to include members according to their professional capacities to promote a global interaction and a sense of belonging to an organization that stands for and with diversity.
- The SIGNIS World Desks are the gate to the services and expertise of SIGNIS. The Desks position SIGNIS as a leader in global communications. They are a unique niche, a hub where diversity and culture meet to put communications into action uniting the talents and expertise of communications professionals from all over the world.
- Through the actions and programs of the Desks, we instill in our members a sense of belonging that transcends local and regional borders.
This mandate reflects SIGNIS’ commitment to shaping the future of global communications by using the synodal approach to best cater to our member’s needs and those of society at large. With these actions, SIGNIS reaffirms its pledge to use media to promote a culture of peace where dignity, justice and reconciliation take the lead.