Institute of Political and Social Formation

What is it?

The Political and Social Training Institute of Argentine Catholic Action (circa 2003) is a training and formation program for Catholics interested in developing their leadership in service and promoting a social friendship that is inspired by Christian humanism and Church teachings.

At the Political and Social Training Institute of Argentine Catholic Action, there are…

• More than 5000 participants
• 40 professors and specialists
• 25,000 young people and children in youth-centered programs and compeitions
• More than 400 training programs

How does it help?

The Institute was formed in a multi-disciplinary environment and we encourage dialogue between different people in different places. This enables the laity to be trained in the principles of the social doctrine of the Church. It also establishes a model that then inspires others actions that promote goodness, dialogue, friendship, and fraternity.

Why is it important?

The NIPST was a pioneer in responding to the needs that arose a particular moment in our history. The NIPST promotes lay formation, especially by helping those who are trained in service or who would like to acquire service-orientated pastoral skills. We are also connected with those in academic spheres, who use are program as a way to work out different theories and learn from our experiences. We offer the space and resources necessary for this learning and dialogue.

How did it start

In August 2003, the Institution opened the National Institute of Political and Social Training, to respond to the serious crises in our country and to the bishops’ request to achieve a new style of leadership capable to overcome the difficult situation in our country. The objective of the NIPST is to create opportunities for learning and encounter for anyone willingly to actively participate in the management of public affairs and party leadership. This program is our way of accompanying and training people who actively participate in politics or who contemplate joining civil service.

Benefits

The NIPST brings together the laity of Argentina both in-person and online  – this in itself is a great benefit. Through our work, participants share their own unique experiences working in their region territory with others in order to promote lay leadership that is inline with the Gospel and the principles of Christian humanism. Our institute is available to everyone above the age of 16.

Means and funding

We are supported by contributions from participants through small fees or contributions from donations. In certain projects, we have been assisted by the Italian Episcopal Conference and the United States Conference.

Learn more

Further information can be found on our website https://ifps.accioncatolica.org.ar or by writing to ifp@accioncatolica.org.ar

Countries involved

Our program is specific in our country and it is offered to the Spanish-speaking community.

How to start?

A small team of interested people with educational management abilities is needed to begin this project. From there, this team can organize training meetings with lecturers and specialists for those who want to join the initiative.