{"id":79719,"date":"2024-10-06T18:31:34","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T21:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=79719"},"modified":"2024-10-13T19:14:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-13T22:14:06","slug":"in-rio-de-janeiro-favela-residents-in-complexo-do-alemao-create-a-popular-action-plan-highlighting-a-path-for-representation-in-the-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=79719","title":{"rendered":"In Rio de Janeiro, Favela Residents in Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Create a Popular Action Plan, Highlighting a Path for Representation in the City"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Panel<\/a>
A panel discussion during the forum for the Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Popular Action. Photo: Edilano Cavalcante<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas<\/strong><\/i><\/em><\/i><\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n

In a political context that has historically marginalized and ignored the demands of favelas, an initiative like the Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Popular Action Plan\u2014designed, led, and conducted by the residents of the Complexo do Alem\u00e3o (CPX<\/a>) cluster of favelas in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone<\/a>\u2014demonstrates the strength and capacity for political coordination within the city’s favela communities. Despite representing a significant portion of Rio’s population and electorate, favelas still face challenges in electing representatives who advocate for their interests. This underscores the complex relationship between these working-class territories and the established political power.<\/p>\n

Complexo do Alem\u00e3o, one of the largest and most emblematic groupings of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, stands as a symbol of resistance and community organizing. Comprising 15 communities<\/a> and a population of over 60,000<\/a>, the area is notable not only for its size but also its cultural, social, and political influence. Historically, residents have fought for their rights<\/a> in the face of constant violations and State neglect<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since its launch on December 8, 2022<\/a>, the CPX Popular Action Plan was developed to influence the 2024 municipal elections by serving as a tool to shape the political agendas of candidates\u2014now running for City Council<\/a> and mayor<\/a>\u2014based on the collective perspective of Complexo do Alem\u00e3o residents. Acting as a megaphone, the plan has been amplifying resident demands.<\/p>\n

CPX Popular Action Plan: Ot and Resistance Strategies<\/h3>\n
\"Flyer<\/a>
Flyer promoting the CPX Popular Action Forum, held on September 10, 2022, at Vila Ol\u00edmpica Jorginho da SOS. Photo: Social Media\/Promotional Material.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Led by the Roots in Movement Institute<\/a>, the CPX Popular Action Plan<\/a> held its first thematic session on May 7, 2022<\/a>, and concluded in September 2022 after a total of nine meetings. These sessions were developed based on the format of the Let’s Work It Out<\/em><\/a> project by the Center for Studies, Research, Documentation, and Memory of Complexo do Alem\u00e3o (CEPEDOCA<\/a>), a Roots in Movement research initiative. The thematic meetings took place at the headquarters of partner organizations around Complexo do Alem\u00e3o. Additionally, the Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Popular Forum<\/a> was held on September 10, 2022, at the Vila Ol\u00edmpica Jorginho da SOS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The thematic meetings and the CPX Popular Action Forum culminated in the CPX Popular Action Plan<\/a>, a document<\/a> that captures the outcomes of the discussions. It was developed with the participation of numerous organizations, both within and beyond Complexo do Alem\u00e3o: Roots in Movement Institute, CEPEDOCA, Brazilian Institute of Social and Economic Analysis (Ibase<\/a>), Ag\u00eancia do Bem<\/a>, Casa Fluminense<\/a>, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA<\/a>), Friends of Complexo do Alem\u00e3o<\/a>, Serra da Miseric\u00f3rdia Integration Center (CEM<\/a>), Abra\u00e7o Campe\u00e3o<\/a>, Women of Alem\u00e3o in Action (MEAA<\/a>), Dandara dos Palmares Quilombista School<\/a>, Oca dos Curumins<\/a>, Casa Voz<\/a>, Brazilian Institute of Lesbians (IBL<\/a>), Voz das Comunidades<\/a>, Reclaiming Innocence Project<\/a>, Democratic Space of Union, Conviv\u00eancia, Aprendizagem e Preven\u00e7\u00e3o (Educap<\/a>), ViDan\u00e7ar<\/a>, Cresce Comunidade<\/a>, Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Social Emergency Institute<\/a>, Favela Talents<\/a>, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz<\/a>), Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (ENSP<\/a>), Manguinhos Territorial Laboratory<\/a>, and the Ministry of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Developed collaboratively, the CPX Popular Action Plan addresses eleven priority themes for the community: (1) Basic Sanitation; (2) Youth; (3) Environment; (4) Sports; (5) Mobility; (6) Health; (7) Women on the Frontline; (8) Public Safety; (9) Education; (10) LGBTI+ Population; and (11) Housing.<\/p>\n

\"Residents<\/a>
Residents read the diagram presenting problems and solutions, part of the methodology adopted to develop the CPX Popular Action Plan. Photo: Edilano Cavalcante<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The process directly involved local residents, who gathered multiple times in discussion circles, fostering a deep understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of the area and providing a foundation for the formulation of public policies aimed at addressing the issues raised.<\/p>\n

\"Discussion<\/a>
Discussion during a meeting of one of the CPX Popular Action Plan’s Working Groups. Photo: Edilano Cavalcante<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The creation of the plan is not only a response to the historical lack of effective policies for the favela but also a demonstration of the potential for self-organization in working-class territories. Lucia Cabral, from Democratic Space of Union, Coexistence, Learning and Prevention (EDUCAP<\/a>), a participant in the development of the plan and a resident of Complexo do Alem\u00e3o, describes the process:<\/p>\n

\u201cOur plan has become a strategic forum, a space for knowledge, exchanges, dialogue, listening, and also for social oversight. It\u2019s a place where we put forward the community\u2019s demands and engage in dialogue with the public authorities. It’s become a bible for us.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"CPX<\/a>
CPX Popular Action Forum. Photo: Edilano Cavalcante<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an interview, David Amen, co-founder of the Roots in Movement Institute, explained that:<\/p>\n

\u201cOur main aspiration is to achieve tangible goals in the field of public policy and turn this plan into a tool that elected officials can use fairly and effectively in Complexo do Alem\u00e3o, so it doesn\u2019t become just another campaign promise.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He adds that the active participation of residents at all stages made it possible to systematize the community’s true needs and present them in a cohesive and organized manner to public authorities.<\/p>\n

The conclusions presented in the 116 pages of the Complexo do Alem\u00e3o Popular Action Plan reflect common demands shared by the 1,074 favelas in Rio de Janeiro<\/a>. The Plan\u2019s policy recommendations could be adaptively applied to other favelas in Rio de Janeiro to varying extents.<\/p>\n

Access the CPX Popular Action Plan in Full:<\/h3>\n