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Working closely and actively with social movements in the region is a relevant effort given the challenging need to push for processes of structural and systemic transformation of democracies in Latin America.

From 2019 to 2021, Latin America was characterized by a multitude of movements and protests in various countries of the region, such as Chile, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala, among others. Citizens actively organized themselves at times of major upheaval and instability to demand solutions.

For Pulsante, citizen participation at different levels and in different processes, in a digital and/or physical setting, contributes to more accessible, inclusive and open civic processes in Latin America. New democratic models are possible through coordination between different parties, and social changes emerge collectively.

Against this backdrop, Pulsante is launching the Support for Social Movements, which will work closely and actively with movements already existing in the region. The Support will be focused on supporting social movements with proven capacity for mobilization and advocacy.

Who will be supported
Pulsante will support social movements that have experience and prior work promoting democratic changes.

  • Movements with a mission of improving and expanding social and political mobilization in areas such as: feminism, political representation of minorities, defense of the territory, and defense of rights of vulnerable groups.
  • Movements that represent the voices of communities traditionally excluded and underrepresented in democratic and decision-making processes.
  • Movements that make decisions based on collective and representative processes with their members.

Characteristics of the support

Without holding an open call, Pulsante will identify and directly contact social movements to offer technical and financial support. Non-financial technical support will be focused on strengthening the social movement, in terms of identified needs such as communication for advocacy, self-care protocols (physical, emotional and digital), political advocacy strategies, etc.

The financial support will be US$10,000 to US$60,000 to implement the work plan.

Some of the characteristics of this support include:

  • Flexibility: The conversation about resources (financial and/or non-financial), work plan and schedule will be co-developed based on the interest of the social movement.
  • Multiple entry points: They allow support and connection with multiple types of participants as the case may be, such as organizations, collectives and/or informal groups.
  • Iterative process: The support process can be divided between multiple parties and time periods of work.
  • Customized support: Identifying opportunities for collaboration and specific needs of the movement to strengthen its capacities.

Criteria and priorities for identification

  • Social movements with a proven track record.
  • Movements that have internal models of collaboration, solidarity and network building.
  • Leadership and internal work structure.
  • Diverse and inclusive working groups.
  • Contextual coherence and clarity in the face of the proposed social change.
  • Opportunity for political advocacy at the local or national level.
  • Defined objective and work plan.

Support for Social Movements is implemented through direct conversations with the movements identified and, likewise, the Pulsante team will be open to suggestions, which can be sent to info@pulsante.org

Identification and support of movements will be carried out between October 2021 and July 2022.

Frequently asked questions HERE

1. When and how will the identified movements that are going to be supported be announced?
The movements that Pulsante identifies and decides to support will be announced through social networks. There will be no single announcement date. Movements will be announced as they are identified and selected, between October 2021 and July 2022.

2. How many social movements will be supported?
A total of 5 or 6 social movements will be supported.

3. Will there by an open call for a social movement to apply?
There will be no open call for social movements to apply. Movements will be identified by Pulsante directly. Likewise, the Pulsante team will be open to suggestions about movements to be identified, which can be sent to info@pulsante.org

4. Will regional social movements be supported?
Yes, Pulsante could support regional movements, so long as they meet the criteria and priorities for identification mentioned above.

5. Can a movement that does not have a legal entity be supported by Pulsante?
If a movement does not have a legal entity or representation, the possibility can be explored of identifying a party (organization of legal entity) that can receive and manage the resources, and strategically support the movement in the development of the process. Furthermore, Pulsante may assume direct payment of the actions/services the movement needs to implement. For example, payment for a communication strategy, campaign, materials, etc.

6. What is advocacy to Pulsante? What type of structural reforms or transformations must the social movement have as a mission?
For Pulsante, advocacy in a social movement is understood as the ability to achieve a systemic change. That is to say, achieve social changes, new cultural arrangements, transform public opinion, transform public policies, etc.

These processes of change must be framed within a unique context of opportunity that allows such transformation or triggers a process of change.

For example: constituent opportunity in Chile, local elections opportunity in Colombia, etc.

7. Can a political movement and/or political party be supported by Pulsante?
Pulsante does not support political parties. The movement can have a political purpose. However, Pulsante will seek to support the agenda focused on social aspects, civic/citizen action and the empowerment of groups traditionally excluded from decision-making spaces.