Marist International Solidarity Foundation Board Meeting
The Board of FMSI held an extraordinary meeting on the Wednesday 26 May. During the meeting, the Board thanked Andrea Rossi for accepting the position of Director during this significant time of change for FMSI. The purpose of the meeting was to reflect on the new third sectors laws in Italy which will have an impact on the management and governance of FMSI.
The Board is formed by Br. Ken McDonald (Chair), from the General Councilor; Inmaculada Maillo (Board Secretary), from Spain; Br. Allen Sherry, from Australia; Analia Ruggeri from Argentina; Br. Pascal Birken, from Ghana; and Br. Libardo Garzón, General Bursar.
The pandemic has changed the nature of these meetings. Previously the Board held two-day meetings which enable ample time for reflection and sharing before making decisions. During these times, the meetings are by Zoom and are usually much shorter. With Board members from different parts of the world with differing time zones, meetings often require some members to rise very early or to wait up till very late. This means a great deal of generosity and commitment on the part of the members of the Board.
The Board will continue to work towards compliance with the new regulations in Italy. This will ensure that FMSI can continue to provide a much-needed much-needed service to the children throughout the Institute by funding projects that develop the potential of children, especially those who are the most vulnerable and marginalized, through education, advocacy for child rights and solidarity initiatives.
FMSI is a foundation created by the Institute to promote and protect the rights of children. It carries on its mission with solidarity projects in the countries in which Marists are present. FMSI was constituted in 2007, in Italy, as a non-profit organization with social purpose.
It has had the special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations since 2011. FMSI is member of: Bureau International Catholique de l’Enfance (BICE), Centre Catholique International de Genève (CCIG), Child Rights Connect, Movimiento Mundial por la Infancia de Latinoamérica y El Caribe, FOCSIV (Federazione degli Organismi Cristiani Servizio Internazionale Volontario), Observatorio Niñez y Adolescencia (ONA), Santiago de Chile.