The annual meeting of our association was held on June 29. Professionals and theorists in communication, media and computer science from different areas of activity and regions of the world attended. New members were presented on the occasion and the current International NetOne Coordinator, Isabel Gatti from Argentina, gave a brief report on the main projects in which this expression of the Focolare Movement is currently engaged: Communication and Synodality, Digital Oath, Genfest 2024 and the Generative Communication and Peacebuilding Course.
NetOne is a community of professionals and theorists who promote a media and technology culture inspired by values such as peace, fraternity and unity. “Members pledge to establish unity among themselves and to study and use media as tools to create a more united world,” the association’s bylaws state. In this sense, the proposal is for these media not to be torn by competitiveness, not to be invasive, not to exert control over people and situations, but rather “to be guided by the search for an authentic relationship with the public, with respect for persons and institutions.” to help human beings on their journey toward truth, in a dynamic of unity and distinction.”
Founded in 2004, the NetOne Association based in Rome, Italy, is nonprofit, and has members from all over the world. Its current president is Italian Franco Ropelato, an IT professional. According to its bylaws, the association’s purposes include promoting educational actions for practitioners, researchers, teachers and students of social communication and technology, as well as projects aimed at disseminating the production of knowledge and practical experiences that express NetOne’s aims. These actions include study seminars, conferences, lectures, publication of books, studies and articles, courses, and others, in a variety of fields, from local to international. One of the specific goals of the body at this time is to promote the creation of similar associations in other countries.
During the meeting, it was recalled that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the creation of NetOne. It was decided to organize a celebration aimed at sharing the contributions that, from theory to practice, have been consolidated over the years in various cultural products. Individuals and institutions who share our ethical vision of the world of communication will also be invited to promote the common work and thus generate greater impact.
By Luis Henrique Marques (NetOne-Brasil/International Commission
