“A tree continues to grow and therefore continues to change… The innermost rings of the tree are still the same as when it was a young tree; They are no longer seen, but they have not ceased to be central. When a branch grows from the tree at its summit, it does not separate from the roots at the base; on the contrary, the more its branches grow, the more strongly it needs to be supported by the roots. It is the true picture of the vigorous and healthy progress of a man, a city, or a whole species.”

These words of G.K. Chesterton also apply to institutions, and periodically it is good to return to the value of the roots of the tree to favor the harmonious growth of the branches, flowers and fruits that are born in each season. At Trabajo y Persona every February we celebrate our anniversary, and it’s already been 13 years to celebrate, thank God and recognize the efforts of all our collaborators, together with the trust of our allies and friends.

The changing force of the winds (pandemic, war, migratory processes, climate change, technological development and increasing inequalities), makes the growth of our institutions increasingly complex in order to bear fruit. Thank God civil society is as varied as the species of trees and their rich biodiversity: some are flexible to the wind like palm trees, but with weak roots; others leafier with less flexibility, but rooted enough to live hundreds of years; The fundamental thing is that in the face of the complex moments that we have to live, although different and working in different areas, each organization maintains its essence and the role that it has to play to build the common good.

In this sense, we could say that the initiatives that arise from organized civil society are as important as trees for the environment. Starting from the base they manage to generate a good for all.

For this reason, at this historical moment it is more important than ever to remember and return to our mission: to promote the culture of work and the dignity of the person. And although this can be developed in various ways (various branches that grow, flourish and bear fruit), and that education is a key process (as sap flows within the tree), we must not stray from our roots which has a lot do with our understanding of work and person.

For us, work is conceived as a human need that, like any other activity, affects the whole person and not just some of their faculties or dimensions. Through work, the human being transforms the world, collaborates with God’s plan, produces wealth and well-being, configures society. On the other hand, work forges the person’s character, develops virtues and aptitudes, and self-realizes; that is, we become more of a person.