Brazil

In May of 2005 alumni began discussing creating a Brazilian association of IFP alumni. At the time our concern was to preserve this network of talented alumni with diverse backgrounds. In order to create an alumni network, the group founded an association that would both work towards social interventions and serve to support alumni in their continuing training process.

Snapshot of Alumni Members

The Brazilian Association of Researchers for Social Justice (ABRAPPS) was officially founded in June 2008. Its composition includes diverse segments of Brazilian society. People from historically excluded groups such as indigenous and blacks are represented and come from regions across Brazil. Our members are active in a broad variety of fields of knowledge, including ethnic-racial relations, human rights, gender relations and others. Among the objectives of the ABRAPPS are to promote studies, research and other actions that develop and disseminate knowledge to identify, maintain and promote social justice activities in Brazil.

The focus of ABRAPPS is to strengthen and coordinate alumni interventions aimed at reducing poverty, preserving the environment, promoting equality, and recognizing and including excluded groups, whether ethnic-racial, religious, based on sexual identity or other identities.  

Past and Future Alumni Activities

After founding ABRAPPS, the Directory (with member support) has worked on implementing a work plan for the Association to gain greater visibility and capacity for interventions. This work ranges from creating a visual identity to reflecting on paths to assure autonomy. In the first six months we have been: a) completing the several legal steps necessary to legalize and formalize the association to be able to raise funds; b) developing a web page and discussion lists that will be a space for dialogue and synergy in line with the proposals of the Association; c) seeking support to promote the training of our members, as well as other activities.

We intend to hold the next regional meetings beginning in 2009.  Through these meetings we hope to strengthen our network, as well as create new practices for social intervention. We will also offer our first training activities for members. The goal is to become increasingly able to use our knowledge to work together to build citizen consciousness and defend values of human dignity and social justice in our country.