Community mobilization strategies, networks and resistance

Abstract

This article addresses issues regarding the fight and resistance processes experienced by Brazilian community leaders. The strategies were emphasized for mobilizing individual and/or collective subjects – particularly residents of the places where they live or used to live – along with the networks formed, which are part of them, and their goals. The empirical content of the text originates from statements made and presented by the leaders at the II Seminar on Denaturalization of Disasters. It was evidenced that the strategies are diverse and creative, among them: 1) awareness and engagement of the closest people for various actions, including creation of blogs, and demonstrations; 2) increase of this group with the joining of institutional allies in the development of studies, newspapers, videos, and projects for obtaining resources; 3) presentation of demands and projects to public bodies and corporations, 4) networking.

Keywords: Social mobilization. Conflict. Environmental racism. Risk.