The Association of Salesian Cooperators date back to the origins of Don Bosco’s apostolic project to help poor, abandoned boys. From the early days in Turin, he engaged men and women of different backgrounds and places to help him, within the bounds of their possibilities.

As he expanded his work he realized not only that he was increasingly in need of cooperators (including priests, but above all lay people) linked to the Salesian mission, but also to form an association for them in order to give greater power to their work.

Initially, he wanted them to be “extern” members of the Congregation of St. Francis de Sales, with a specific legal status in the congregation’s constitutions. The Holy See rejected this proposal, and he decided to organize them in the Pious Union of Salesian Cooperators (today’s ACS), with its own regulations which were approved by Pius IX in 1876

The Salesian Cooperators are single or married lay men and women, or diocesan clergy, who dedicate themselves to the welfare of young people, and live guided by Don Bosco's charism.

The core of the Salesian Cooperators' commitment is to live his or her life as a good Christian and a good Catholic. The Salesian Cooperator embraces a Gospel way of life, sharing in the Church's mission to bring Christ to society, especially the young.

Generally, the Salesian Cooperators are affiliated with a local Salesian school, parish and youth center. Some of the Cooperators work directly in Salesian ministries while others serve in their parishes or other ministries. Some Cooperators do not work directly with any particular ministry, but bring the Salesian Spirit to their work place, profession, and family.