[Participatory tools and methods for community action. SESPAS Report 2018]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Engagement
• Health Policy

Background:

• Participation is crucial for transformative change in public services.
• Requires involvement from policymakers, managers, technicians, staff, and citizens.
• Intersectoral and interdisciplinary action are essential components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of infrastructure and planned action for effective participation.
• To emphasize the need for continuity in participatory projects beyond political changes for sustainable public services.
• To identify essential elements for ensuring participation, including training, tools, and delegated power.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of various participation tools such as surveys, sociograms, flowcharts, health assets mapping, participatory budgets, and evaluation matrices.
• Selection of tools based on subject matter, resources, population characteristics, and intended use of generated information.
• Exploration of the role of social networks in facilitating mass, self-managed citizen participation.

Main Results:

• Participation necessitates a supportive infrastructure and recognition of all actors.
• Consolidating participatory projects ensures continuity and sustainability of public services.
• Training, appropriate tool utilization, and delegated power are key to successful participation.

Conclusions:

• Participation tools empower citizens and professionals to collectively analyze and improve living conditions.
• Virtual social networks have emerged as a significant trend for mass, citizen-led participation.
• Sustained commitment and joint action are vital for achieving long-term participatory goals.