The eighth RELAL assembly was held from February 5 - 10, 2001. The 62 participants included Brother Visitors, Brothers, and partners from 17 countries, 14 Districts and 1 Sub-District.

The Assembly was presided by Regional authorities Brother Jardelino Menegat, President and Brother Felipe Castellán, Vice-President. Also present were Brothers Álvaro Rodríguez, Superior General and Miguel Campos, General Councillor for Latin America and the Carribean.

The President opened the meeting by welcoming the delegates and inviting them to reflect on some of the challenges that the Region will face in the next 3 years. Brother Arcadio Bolívar, Visitor of the District of Bogotá, addressed the Assembly with words of welcome as well.

Brother Álvaro Rodríguez spoke about how he valued the efforts that the Region is making and he invited the participants to take an in-depth look at the topic of Association, a topic which was considered by the 43rd General Chapter. He emphasized our Lasallian charism of educating the poor. Along these lines he called for a creative response to the needs of the world of the excluded. He alerted the attendees concerning the need to fight for the revitalization of Districts, alluding to the fact that the center of gravity of religious life in the world is changing.

Brother Miguel Campos spoke about the theme of "Associated to respond together to the challenges of the 21st century." He was very optimistic about the current situation of the Institute and he pointed out that "we are both personally and corporately crossing the threshold of the new millennium." This includes external forces that affect our identity and our ability to generate new life as well as how these impact committed laity. He then carefully explained The Foundations of Our Future. Brother Miguel finished with an invitation to continue telling our story together.

The Assembly then dealt with topics that included some proposals for the next three years and a discussion of possible changes in the structure of RELAL.

The working environment and the sense of fraternity were outstanding. The commitment on the part of everyone to work for the revitalization of the Region was something that could be felt among the participants.

The organizers were thanked for their wonderful planning of the work of the Assembly as was the District of Bogotá for the many kindnesses received during the event.