Brazilian cáritas

experiences of a good living society

Abstract

The construction of corporate alternatives to the capitalist model has mobilized movements and social groups in different parts of the world. Brazilian Cáritas is based on an international partnership with the French and German Cáritas, which has worked together with traditional, indigenous and quilombola communities, in different towns in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to strengthen their organization, seek ways to access the public policies and expand possibilities for generating work and income. This article wants to reflect on this experience, highlighting the theoretical contributions that are used in this Cáritas work, presenting the different ways in which the activities are carried out, and pointing out some significant results. This paper aims to analyze the perspective of the social economy, sustainability, inclusion, and the good way of living stands out. Regarding how Cáritas’ work has been carried out, it refers to workshops, conversation circles, solidarity fairs, and work and income generation experiences, among others. Regarding results, the empowerment of groups and communities, the strengthening of identities, and the access to public policies stand out, especially in basic sanitation, education, and health. The systematization of the cooperation experiences challenges us to continue acting on fronts that, historically, the public authorities do not respond to or they have been insufficient in terms of guaranteeing citizenship for all people.