126 The handbook opens up horizons for the work of Delegates at Province, National, Conference and Regional level in social communication. Here we limit ourselves however to a few criteria and areas, and in particular mention the following three:
co-productions,
copyright,
exhibition of Salesian products.
Co-productions
127 From the list offered in preceding pages we can see the possibilities for shared work between those working in the same area. Present as we are with our initiatives, enterprises and activities in every continent, we can build up a network of relationships and achievements. The topic is not an easy one – there are many problems:
problems of qualified personnel for this kind of work,
problems of doctrinal interests and practical choices,
problems of an organisational nature between partners,
problems of mutual trust including in the finance area,
problems of civil legislation,
problems of editorial rights…
128 Commitment and constancy in pursuing the objective can overcome the problems.
Provinces and Inter-provincial Conferences have responsibility in this area. The experience of past years is positive with regard to publishing and radio. One large publisher has helped others which are less strong and economically fragile to plan together a Salesian presence in Catholic and State schools.
It is necessary to follow a path that thinks about both the clarity of relationships and legality of the arrangements. Leaders in a province who want cooperation and a common project are called upon. The Department plays the part of guarantor in stipulated agreements.
Copyright
129 A second area for broad understanding in each province is that of copyright. Given the common experience of different costs of living not every province can count on having people qualified to manage a business.
Consequently, some provinces have the possibility of offering studies, research, training aids, educational, pastoral and evangelisation materials to others.
It would be possible, with bilateral or multilateral agreement, to give the right to reproduce and print materials themselves, avoiding the need to import the finished product at unsustainable costs from elsewhere. Piracy is something we should avoid as morally indefensible.
130 We have some experience already in this area. Many of our publishers (printed materials and audio) with the go-ahead of their province, open their publications to other nations. It would be good for this practice to grow. Evidence of one example of teamwork between provinces was in Brazil, in preparing the Salesian logo.
The Department (DSC) can be a mediator in these kinds of contacts while leaving the contracting parties to work out the details of the agreements.
An exhibition of Salesian products
131 The provinces from two Salesian Regions have tried out the experience of combining forces to mount a book fair for their continent. The province where the exhibition takes place take on the task of coordinating the involvement of other interested provinces, setting up the materials to be displayed, ensuring the necessary publicity for the products, taking eventual orders, creating contacts between publishing houses and buyers.
132 When different countries take turns at mounting the exhibition, the burden of organisation is then shared between all the provinces. We have plenty of potential in this area. Being open to new ways of working together will help the image of Salesian presence.