Abstract: “This paper will present the methodology used to create an empowering program for social sciences professional working in local social networks in Minho-Lima territory, in order to promote in them the necessary skills to develop a social diagnosis and a social development plan, based in participatory methodologies. The Social Network Programme is a social development program anchored a territorialized vision of social problems and resources, presented as a committee that coordinates and efforts based on open membership by municipalities and public entities or private nonprofit organizations willing to take part on it.”

Keywords: participatory methodologies, professional capacitation, empowerment, social networks