VOLUNTEER AND PROFESSIONALIZED ACTIVISM IN THE SAO PAULO WOMEN'S MOVEMENT1

This paper presents part of the findings of a research designed to understand the effect of the professionalization of feminist groups (through the creation of non-governmental organizations) on the deepening of democracy in Brazilian society. The research examined how professionalized and non-professionalized feminist groups contribute to social democratization, at the policy-making level and/or at the level of everyday relations and practices. This research compared 4 feminist organizations which offer support to low-income women's groups in São Paulo, but have different organizational structures: two were non-governmental organizations (hereafter NGOs) with paid staff and international financing. The other two were voluntary organizations with smaller budget. The collective identity, internal dynamics, practices and impact of these support groups were investigated. This paper focuses on the consequences of professionalization for the women's movement as a whole. In particular, it shows how NGOs ' organizational form does not facilitate "joining " the movement, although it gives other advantages. It also points to the challenges presented by the creation of NGOs for the representation and participation of working-class and non-professionalized activists, due to the fast working pace of professionalized activists. Finally, it raises some preliminary questions about the way organizational forms and practices can impinge upon groups' collective identity and strategies, on the way social movements achieve change, and can constrain or contribute to feelings of belonging and solidarity