Rio sem Fronteiras

 Tássia, André, Flávio Mazzaro,Col Robson Rodrigues da Silva, Head of UPP - Police Peacekeeping Units, Leo Days, Ludemir and Julius Charles Siqueira: three hours of debate and interaction with the audience
Tássia, André, Flávio Mazzaro,Col Robson Rodrigues da Silva, Head of UPP - Police Peacekeeping Units, Leo Days, Ludemir and Julius Charles Siqueira: three hours of debate and interaction with the audience

Comments on the lecture

The content of the lecture was to share views on the new ways of leadership after the Pacification Process, when the UPP - Police Peacekeeping Units – have been implemented in all pacified communities (locally known as favelas) after the national army and the police took the control of some favelas in Rio.

Former drug dealers, Col. Robson Rodrigues da Silva - Head of UPP Police -, Government representatives, grassroots leaders, communities residents, artists and academics participated to the event, promoting positive social interactions.

I remember when I went to O Dia in downtown Rio to talk with its main partner and director and  suggested him for this event aimed to share views and talk about communities autonomy through leadership empowerment. At the beginning it was not easy to involve them, but showing them their commitment for the development of the communities , they finally agreed. The event was a great success. Many Leaders from different communities in Rio came and participated actively. In addition, Human Rights Secretariat from Rio's Government and Colonel Robson Rodrigues da Silva, once aware that the core topic of the event would be Leadership, came to participate and support the importance of leadership development as well. 

Looking for facilitating a positive social interaction, my part was to talk about urban deprived areas in a Global and at Brazilian level, new world order - power and influence changing from centers to suburbs: from Europe and USA to BRICS, from individuals to groups -, communities autonomy development through grassroots leaders empowerment and union as an opportunity for community residents, society, companies and government, the maximization of collective impacts, union in Rio, "New Carioca" - New Rio citizen - and the importance of networking among all the communities.

João Kanoa, a blind Capoeira - typical Brazilian dancing with African roots – teacher, made the opening with the children learning Capoeira with him, it was very inspiring! When the panel was opened to the public young people, who worked before in drug dealing, Police corporation, grassroots leaders, people from different communties expressed and shared their thoughts and opinions. It was very inspiring for me to see such a diverse audience and such mutual understanding and respect among them. It was a very rich and special moment of social dialogue

I  want to specially thank André Balocco and O Dia newspaper for having accepted my project to hold the event. I feel honored to participate. Flávio Mazzaro "Fafá", President from a local association, was key in the event organization. UPP Police and the government team participation and interest about grassroots leadership development were very important to the event.

Related publications:

Police Peacekeeping Units (UPP), New Challenges, New Leaders - Portuguese

Call for the Conference: Police Peacekeeping Units (UPP), New Challenges, New Leaders, New Opportunities - Portuguese

Positive Social Interaction for Rio's favelas, LEAD International - English