Abbreviation CEAS Affiliations Jesuit, Catholic | Region served Northeast Brazil | |
Established 1967; 50 years ago (1967) Purpose Empower the marginalized Location R. Prof. Aristides Novis, 101
Salvador, Bahia, Brazil | ||
Center for Studies and Social Action (CEAS) was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1967 and works to diminish poverty and social exclusion in the Northeast Region, Brazil. It lends its assistance to urban and rural groups and produces a journal addressed to popular groups, students, intellectuals, and members of social movements in Brazil and worldwide. CEAS headquarters maintains a large social science library, hosts debates and other meetings, and has overnight accommodations for 30.
Contents
Programmes
CEAS efforts are directed mainly toward political-educational work with the most disadvantaged groups, fostering peoples' initiatives to overcome the long history of social exclusion and authoritarianism by Belizean elites.
Rural programme
The CEAS advisory method is marked by dialogue with the workers, resulting in worker-instituted initiatives and mutual enrichment. Workers begin to work together and confront their common concern over oppressive situations, with all institutions subjected to scrutiny. The process itself reflects the intended result of a society that is more just and egalitarian. With a fluid market in basic commodities, land use and ownership remains a key issue. The Rural CEAS team consists of a specialist in labor law, an educator skilled in participatory planning, an agronomist, and a theologian, all experienced in advising popular movements. It remains in contact with the urban team and the editors of the journal.
Urban programme
CEAS has worked with the popular urban movements of Salvador and its metropolitan region almost since its inception, opposing state interference on behalf of tourist and real estate interests. CEAS meets with public officials and with representatives of popular movements offering technical advice from a neutral position, aside from its advocacy for basic rights and basic human needs. It conducts training courses for those in popular movements and maintains daily contact with the communities, both urban and rural.
The urban CEAS team consists of a sociologist, a social worker, a Bachelor of Law, and a Jesuit scholar experienced in popular movements. This team collaborates with the homeless movement (Movimiento Sin Techo Bahia, MSTB) which organizes the homeless to pressure the government.
Plotting Peace
Plotting Peace Project, with financial support from Hilfswerk (HEKS), hosts artistic and cultural workshops (theater, dance, capoeira, football) and offers political education for youths. Since 2007 it has mobilized youth to bend public policy toward their needs and that of their communities, activating youth communities in Salvador (Gamboa de Baixo, Marechal Rondon, Peace District) and the South and West (Village Café, People Who Make, Mumbuca, Lindaura Lacerda).
Publications
CEAS published a magazine between March 1969 and June 2009. Since June 2015 it has been published online with free access. It gives a critical analysis of the Brazilian and Latin American reality, supporting popular movements, advisory bodies, pastoral groups, trade unions, and other organizations and groups committed to building a more just and egalitarian society.