A forum-workshop to share experiences on the subject of responsibility

It was decided to hold a Forum-workshop that would make it possible to hear various experiences on responsibility for building a dignified life for all. In this perspective, it was decided to invite the participation of civil servants, social and community organizations, students, teachers, NGOs, business persons, unions, etc.

Forum objectives

 To discuss citizen responsibility in building well-being

 To have round-table discussions on responsibility in three different areas.

Discussion areas

 Citizen responsibility

 ONG responsibility

 Corporate responsibility

Methodological development of the Forum-workshop

Forum objectives were presented, along with the organizing entities and the interest of promoting the Charter in the region, the methodology and the agenda. A leaflet on the Charter was distributed (leaflet attached).

The event was attended by 123 persons (54 men and 69 women) from 52 organizations registered for the event:

Ecoing and Habitat, a town counsellor, Red de Líderes Democráticas, La Rivera JAC, Cencoa, Pro-Ciudad, Voluntarias Valle, Teatro Esquina Latina, Cementos del Valle, JAC Limonar, UCC, Alto Menga, MIRA, Colmundo Radio, Plataforma Teatro, Fundación Eucarística, CTP, Fundación Cristo Vive, JAL comuna 21, ASCCO, Nodo Palmira, Vidora, Red Amigo del Ambiente, JAL 9, JAC 1, JAC Lagos, Sub-commissioner for youth from the department of youth, CCP Meléndez, Comité de Veeduría Comuna 17, town council, University of the Andes-Bogotá, Cinep, Cami, ASOVERCOL, UPB, Grupo Social Nuevo Milenio, Comité técnico educativo, Grupo resurgir, Foro Nacional por Colombia, Foro los Andes, justices of peace, JAC , Guabal, Barrio Las Américas-Yumbo, AMUCAFY, Paz y Desarrollo, Colectivo Objetarte, Nueva Esperanza, Código de Acceso, Cabildo Indígena Quechua, Voluntarios Red de Amigos, ASOCUJU, Cable Pacífico.

The event began with Adolfo Álvarez’s brief introduction of the Charter of Human Responsibilities, what it is and why it is important; this was followed by performance of the monologue “Los Perfiles de la Espera” (waiting profiles) by the theater company La Máscara; this play gives an appreciation of different aspects of the deaths and the missing resulting from the armed conflict suffered by Colombia, and their impact on many women in the day-to-dayness of their various roles.

Following this performance, Luis Eduardo Gama (Doctor in Philosophy, professor at the University of the Andes) read his paper, “The Human Alternative” and the floor was then give to the audience for questions.

Experience panel: on responsibility in each of the three defined areas:
Citizen experiences: Unión de Ciudadanas de Colombia
Corporate experience: Cementos del Valle
NGO experiences: Foro, Cencoa, and Cami

This was the basis for further work in thematic round tables, geared through the following questions:

 What is your vision of human and social responsibility?
 How do you evaluate in your programs, projects, or concrete actions the effect of responsible action in contributing to the transformation of living conditions so they are more inclusive, open to plurality and based on solidarity?
 What principles would reinforce responsibility in each area?

Closing event: Responsibility Pact

A wall was previously covered with Kraft paper; the principles provided by each of the round tables were placed on it; a ritual was performed for brotherhood with life and the planet; a candle with seeds was offered as an invitation to adopt a responsible attitude to life and to environmental conservation of the planet as the home of all people.