This qualitative study aimed to analyze the potential and limits of popular participation in local health councils through Paulo Freire's research itinerary. Eleven members of a local health council of a municipality in the state of Santa Catarina participated in this study. There were five culture circles and research revealed six themes: possibilities for the practice of citizenship; establishment of an educational space; intention to make decisions that represent the collective; lack of knowledge regarding the council's responsibilities; lack of community participation; and discredit. Results point to the need to understand the roles of the counselors and of the local health councils to strengthen actions of health promotion. Based on ideas and exchanges of experiences among the council participants, we noticed the creation of dialog zones and the understanding of the exercise of power, which strengthened dialog in these public spaces.
Consumer participation; Strategies; Health councils; Health promotion; Unified health system
