The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) is a lay association in the Catholic Church and the third order of the Salesians. It is also one of the three main branches of the Salesian Family founded directly by Don Bosco in 1876.[1] The movement was created with the purpose to share the ideals of the Salesian Preventive System in the education of young people, especially those who are poorest.
The ASC's superior is the Rector Major of the Salesians, inside a board of trust known as the World Council.[2] Priests and bishops of the dioceses can join this movement, sharing the ideals and educative philosophies of Don Bosco.