Civil associativism and the right to the city: challenges to participative practice

Abstract

This paper presents some reflections and experiences related to the practice of the “Estágio Curricular Obrigatório” (Obligatory Training Period) at the “Núcleo de Estudos em Serviço Social e Organização Popular (NESSOP/UFSC)” (Nucleus of Studies in Social Work and Popular Organization), reported in the “Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso” (Course Final Paper). First, fundamental elements of methodological intervention of the Social Work in support to the organization of Regional Seminars of the “Fórum da Cidade” (City Forum) are addressed. Then, participation in the struggle for the right to the city is contextualized, with emphasis on the role of the “Estatuto da Cidade” (City Statute). Finally, participation from people´s daily life is discussed, focusing on the potential revealed by the various forms of expression of associative life.