This book is an attempt at rescuing an important task, with profound respect towards a labor of passion and altruism.

PRONDEC (National Program for Democratization of Culture) operated only for three difficult and intense years. Its task was to break with inertia, to perforate stubborn resistance, and to overcome prejudice. It mobilized thousands of people with its scarce resources, it generated an incredible amount of activities, it has sown the good seed, it has made us dream, fear, and celebrate. For some, it is now almost a fairy tale.

PRONDEC – misunderstood and slandered by some, staunchly supported and nurtured by most – conducted seminars, workshops, courses, colloquiums, and conferences linked with different sectors: enterprise, mental health, scientific research, journalism, extension education, the trade unions, the media, artistic expression, and community training. On every occasion -however boastful it may sound- there was great enthusiasm. And for a simple reason: we applied to the letter a real participation methodology that inspired self-esteem and liberated creativity. Its good fruits do not grow from self-promotion or spectacularity, but from coherent, perseverant, and cooperative work.

Just by reviewing the concepts exposed at the press colloquiums, at the multi-sector meetings, or at the conferences, it is apparent that this book contains precious material, both for research and for the participants, the common reader, and everyone interested in continuing with the work.