Social Network Program
About this good practice
The Social Network Program in Oliveira de Azeméis materializes in a partnership work practice that allows for the optimization of existing resources and the mobilization of synergies for the diagnosis and resolution of local social problems and the consequent pursuit of local social development. With this practice, we are able to develop and update the Social Diagnosis of reality through a reflective and participatory approach, in a logic of "knowing in order to intervene better." Likewise, we are able to create and establish a customized Social Development Plan based on the needs and recognized by the entities that operate in the territory. This methodology of action that embodies the Social Network allows for: Congregation of the various local entities to discuss the social reality in which they operate; knowledge of the perceptions and perspectives of these entities about the reality in which they live, work, and intervene; involvement of social actors in their own knowledge; enhance the involvement of these entities in the implementation of responses, in a logic of resource optimization, updating knowledge about the resources of the parishes and the municipality.
Resources needed
Funded by/Sponsors: During the first two years of implementation, it was funded by the Social Security. The Municipality currently funds it.
Funding/financial resources needed: Salary of a Higher Technician; Logistics and operational costs.
Human resources needed: One Higher Technician (Sociology)
Evidence of success
One evidence of its success is its durability over time. Without a specific funding program, the Social Network is present in almost all municipalities in Portugal. Recognizing the changes and different dynamics driven in territories by the Social Network program, recently, the Portuguese Government, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, created a measure called "Social Radar," which aims to reinforce the role of the Social Network and its role as a local policy instrument
Potential for learning or transfer
The processes of territorialization of poverty and social exclusion and the need to promote social development in these contexts for the quality of life of populations are transversal to different countries and territories.
Information on transfer(s) that already took place (if possible, specify the country, the region – NUTS 2 – and organisation to which the practice was transferred): Network operation is a practice implemented and tested in Portugal and can be replicated in all territories that demonstrate this need and want to ensure greater intervention capacity of stakeholders, creating conditions of proximity to solve social problems affecting populations in situations of social vulnerability and at risk of poverty and social exclusion, redirecting local social intervention towards the development of inclusive territories.
