This is one of the most important pedagogical experience. For Don Bosco, the group is an educational experience capable of increasing the range of things we can do. The preventive system of education demands an intense and lively setting of participation and friendly relationship enlivened by the animating presence of educators. It encourages all kinds of constructive and group activities which are a concrete initiation into the community, civic and ecclesia involvement. (cf. c. 35; R. 8)

1. Social experience in very concrete terms would entail building up a family environment by means of appropriate and strategically planned activities, where there is experience of sympathetic pedagogy, display of relationships and affection. This creates an atmosphere of confidence in which what is being offered as education and evangelization is credible  and can be assimilated because of the intensity of personal relationships and the atmosphere of shared joy.

2. Opting for group as the privileged setting in which the Salesian idea of the group can be offered: the variety of groups open to all young people who are the real key players, and which express the diversity of pedagogical directions our ministry can take:

• Creating many possibilities and open and welcoming settings according to the diversity of interests of the young people and their different stages in life…
• Looking particularly to formation groups and groups intent on Christian commitment.
• Constantly preparing and forming educators and leaders
• Offering strong experiences of shared life and living (retreats, camps, special days) which confirm and relaunch the idea of coming together for the Christian and social value of being in a group.
• Getting the Educative and Pastoral Community to reflect on and review the running, educational effectiveness and activities involved in youth groups.

3.  Education with the heart and Style of animation. The style of animation means;

• A way of thinking about the human being that recognizes him or her as being capable because of inner resources of being committed and responsible for process which concern the human individual.
• A method that looks at what is positive at the wealth and potential every young person carries within, and proposes some activity to develop that.
• A style of journeying with the young that suggests, motivates, helps them grow in daily life through a relationship which is liberating and also genuine.
• The final and overall aim of ensuring that each one is fully restored to his her Joie and vivre and the courage to hope.

The animator/leader;

• Encourages the formation of groups and their ongoing research, reflection and activity and ideals
• Helps the group, through his or her competence and experience to overcome crises and develop personal relationships in its midst
• Offers the youngsters a critical point of view and helps them explore further, enabling them to express their ideas, desires and what they have discovered
• Facilitates communication and connections amongst groups in the local Educative and Pastoral Community
• Accompanies individuals in their process of human and Christian development.

4.  The youth group should lean towards being part of the society and Church according to each one’s vocational choice. Seen this way Salesian group experience should foster:

• Preparation and accompaniment that helps a young person take part in social life assuming moral, professional and social responsibilities and cooperating with whoever is working to build a society more worthy of the human beings.
• Being an active part of civil life by promoting the various associations which are the service of the common good in society
• Playing an active part in the church community by helping young people to have a sincere love for it as a communion of all believers in Christ and the universal sacrament of salvation.

Local groups take their bearings from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM): individuals, youth groups and associations who retain their autonomy but see themselves as part of Salesian spirituality and pedagogy, either implicitly or explicitly make up the SYM.

5. Creating a community of young adults which allows them to look after their Christian life and sharing. They are places in which life is shared, God’s will is discerned in listening to the word, where they celebrate, pray and take on pastoral involvement in the various ecclesial contexts that the members are part of.

Youth communicate are a special place for vocational discernment and offer young adults a valuable aid for discovering, day by day, the faith they have professed, celebrated, lived and prayed (cf. Porta Fidei 9)