Resolution of the 31st Convention
of the International Kolping Society

In the Spirit of Kolping - Sowing Seeds of Hope in the World of Work

Work and Employment - From a Christian Perspective

We the 31st Convention of the International Kolping Society that has met in Alsopahok, Hungary in 2007, agree to a Five-Year-Plan that incorporates the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church within the Kolping context of the world of work. As a starting point, we will use the Christian concept of work. This serves as the central theme to inform everyone on the major focus areas derived from the Kolpings Society's fundamental documents on the world of work as well as on the reality with which we are faced every day. These themes form the focus for the work in our Kolping Societies during the coming five years.

In 2008, we want to focus on the Christian concept of work. This theme will be the basis for the major themes of the following four yers and should be incorporated into the five-year plan.
In 2009, the focus will be on unemployment
In 2010, the focus will be on informal economy
In 2011, the focus will be on on-going occupational training
In 2012, the focus is to be on labor rights

For each of the five themes, the National Kolping Societies should focus specifically on the areas that are most relevant to their situation.

1) To commit ourselves again to the Basic Document of the Kolping Society based on the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church and the world of work and occupation.
2) To raise awareness of the working conditions in different countries and communities.
3) To provide a framework for the development of a practical plan of action for our National Kolping Society over the next five years.
4) To work towards creating a world of work that is more humane and becomes a place for inter-personal relationships and solidarity.
5) To fight corruption in all its forms.