This article discusses the "Articulação Nacional de Movimentos e Práticas de Educação Popular e Saúde" (National Articulation of Movements and Practices of Popular Education and Health) in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, organized in 2003. This experience results from an approximation between health professionals and social movements initiated in the 1990’s. Its general objective is to identify the strengths and fragilities the organization’s process of historical construction. The data for this descriptive study was attained through qualitative field research, performed between May and June 2006, which was based on individual semi-structured interviews with open questions. The data retrieval was made after interviews with the four main articulators of the organization in Santa Catarina. The results signal the main fragility being that the proposal was not built together with its bases; while its biggest potential attribute is the notorious promotion of autonomy for the agents involved, organizers, and participators alike.
Education in health; Health; Social organization