The event "My Values" concluded on August 17, 2024, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, with the participation of hundreds of young people. The event was held at the City Hall of Santiago de los Caballeros, with the participation of various authorities and community leaders. This event aimed to promote values and behavioral norms for young people, aligned with gospel principles, and was attended by key figures from the municipality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dr. Mariana Moreno, Deputy Mayor of the Santiago City Hall, represented Mayor Ulises Rodríguez, and Hansel Martínez, Director of Social Development and Community Participation, was present as a co-responsible for the project.
Mr. Hansel Martínez welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of the family as the first institution of society. He reiterated the support of the Santiago de los Caballeros City Hall for initiatives that promote family unity and thanked the organizing committee for their efforts.
What is the purpose of the "My Values" Project?
José Ángel Rodríguez Castillo, the young host of the project, explained that "Mis Normas" is a set of principles designed to guide young people towards behaviors based on positive values, promoting healthy lifestyles aligned with gospel principles. The project seeks to prevent and guide young people, parents, guardians, teachers, and youth leaders on current challenges.
The project includes 14 fundamental norms or values, presented in a set of colorful banners created and presented by young animators. This peer-to-peer approach makes the content more meaningful to the youth audience, and the itinerant model allows it to reach a wider audience.
The values presented in the project are Honesty, The Freedom to Choose, Language, Dressing and Appearance, Entertainment and Media, Music and Dance, Friendships, Relationships with the Opposite Sex, Sexuality, Family, Academic Education, Work, Physical and Emotional Health, and Relationship with God.
Compliance with these norms helps young people become good citizens, true disciples of Jesus Christ, and improve their coexistence in society.
Words from the Present Authorities
Dr. Mariana Moreno highlighted the importance of following good norms and laws and emphasized the importance of physical and emotional health as a foundation for fulfilling the other norms of the project, including aspects such as spiritual health and overall well-being. She encouraged participants to maintain a healthy lifestyle to develop a solid relationship with God and others.
President Félix Alberto Díaz, representing the Church, thanked the municipal authorities and the community for their support in developing the project. In his speech, he reflected on the importance of being a disciple of Jesus Christ and how this can contribute to being a good citizen.
He also shared his personal experience illustrating the importance of good behavior and reputation. He recounted how, in his youth, his integrity and respectful behavior influenced adults' perception of his group of friends, demonstrating that right actions can have a positive impact beyond words.
The "My Values" event at the City Hall of Santiago de los Caballeros concluded successfully, promoting fundamental values among the youth and reinforcing the importance of following ethical and moral principles in daily life. This joint effort between the City Hall, the Church, and the local community reaffirmed the commitment to fostering a healthier and more positive environment among the youth in the northern region of the country.