Desenrola
Desenrola e Não Me Enrola is a platform that began as a blog in 2013, producing reports about the cultural scene in the outskirts (peripheries) of São Paulo. Evolving into a news portal in 2017, its mission is to offer diverse and peripheral journalism that documents, reflects, and amplifies the social changes and cultural identities of marginalized territories. The organization stands in opposition to simplistic mainstream media narratives and is committed to interpreting the complexities of life, housing, work, and culture in Brazil’s peripheral communities, with special recognition for its impact and innovative partnerships nationally and internationally.
Theory of Change
Inputs
Journalists and editorial team
Community correspondents and partners
Funding from organizations and individuals
Digital platforms for dissemination
Research and fieldwork resources
Activities
Investigate and report on peripheral realities
Produce multimedia content (audio, video, written reports)
Facilitate community storytelling and engagement
Amplify issues of inequality, identity, and rights
Partner with grassroots and support organizations
Outputs
Diverse journalistic content published online and in communities
Podcasts, short reports, and multimedia features
Community dialogues and events
Expanded network of grassroots contributors and partners
Outcomes
Greater visibility and empowerment of marginalized communities
More nuanced understanding of peripheric realities in Brazilian society
Influence on public debate and policy
Fostered civic participation and social transformation
Programs
1. Desenrola Aí
An investigative track focusing on demystifying policies, legislation (like fiscal frameworks or social policies), and emerging trends (such as online betting or the impacts of series and streaming content) that directly affect peripheral populations.
Specialist journalists
Access to policy experts, researchers, and affected community members
Data and legal documents
Analyze new laws, social trends, and policies relevant to the peripheries
Interview experts and residents impacted by the issues
Translate complex information into accessible language
In-depth investigative articles
Public explainers and educational features
Community policy briefings
Improved community understanding of laws and policies
Greater civic participation and public scrutiny
Reduction of information asymmetry
2. Quebrada Tech
Highlighting technology, digital inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalized populations—coverage ranges from free coding bootcamps for women and mothers, to the impacts of digital platforms on job access and creative enterprises.
Tech partners and trainers
Community organizations
Digital platforms and infrastructure
Promote and report on digital skills initiatives
Highlight innovation by peripheral creators
Connect marginalized groups with tech opportunities
Technology columns and case reports
Profiles of tech entrepreneurs
Awareness campaigns about digital literacy
Improved digital inclusion and skills
Increased tech-sector participation from marginalized communities
Economic empowerment and network expansion
3. Peripheric Roots (Raízes Periféricas)
Stories and profiles that uncover the resilience, faith, ancestral knowledge, and socio-economic struggles of marginalized residents—such as female heads of household, traditional craft workers, and religious communities.
Community correspondents
Cultural researchers
Partnerships with traditional groups
Collect oral histories and community profiles
Highlight stories of resistance and survival
Promote intergenerational dialogue on culture and faith
Published profiles and community features
Oral history podcasts
Visual storytelling projects
Preserved and amplified heritage knowledge
Stronger social bonds
Enhanced respect for community traditions
4. Creative Territories (Territórios Criativos)
Chronicling creative, artistic, and sustainable initiatives in peripheries—documentation includes literature festivals, ecological projects, and sustainable fashion, emphasizing the agency and innovation of local actors.
Artists, cultural entities and collectives
Funding for artistic and sustainability activities
Spaces for events and exhibitions
Feature local creative initiatives and events
Document and promote sustainable practices (e.g. upcycling, ecological corridors)
Support collective memory and local narratives
Art, media, and sustainability features
Cultural event coverage
Resource guides and creative toolkits
Strengthened local creative economies
Enhanced cultural and environmental awareness
Visibility and preservation of creative heritage
Other Information
Core Values
Diversity in journalism and voice
Community-rooted storytelling
Commitment to social justice and equity
Empowerment of marginalized communities
Transparency and public accountability
Recognition and amplification of cultural and creative traditions
Scale
Over a decade of continuous operation and national/international media recognition
Primary coverage and impact: São Paulo peripheries (millions affected indirectly through media exposure, thousands via direct engagement)
International recognition and award-winning content with broad online reach
Affected Users
Residents of peripheral urban and semi-urban territories in Brazil (especially São Paulo)
Women and Black populations
Young people, community leaders, and artists
Grassroots activists and social entrepreneurs
Geographical Areas
São Paulo (primary focus)
Greater São Paulo
Urban peripheries throughout Brazil
Contact Info
Last updated