Porto Alegre appointed 12 new Square Stewards on September 19, 2026, bringing the total number of appointed volunteers to 466. The announcement is a useful starting point for anyone who wants to take part: the role is voluntary and connects residents with city government in the day-to-day care of squares, public equipment and community spaces. Applications can be started through the 156 WhatsApp service, by the official email of the Municipal Partnerships Department, or, according to city guidance, with support from local subprefectures.
How to apply to become a Square Steward in Porto Alegre
The most practical route is the Citizen Service Center 156 WhatsApp at +55 (51) 3433-0156. In the menu, select the option related to Prefeitos de Praça. You can also express interest by emailing apoiepoa@portoalegre.rs.gov.br.
The city's service page says that any citizen who already takes care of a square in some way, or who wants to become a municipal partner in that care, may apply. Selection can start from a voluntary application or a public call, under the program's rules.
How to find an available square
If you have not chosen a location yet, you can use the 156 WhatsApp service to look for options. In the digital service launched by the city, residents provide their postal code, view available squares in the neighborhood and choose the space they are interested in. After submission, the request receives a protocol number and is sent to the Municipal Partnerships Department, which also checks whether the location is available.
This is more reliable than using old lists because availability can change as new volunteers are appointed. On September 19, 2026, for example, the city reported that Porto Alegre had reached 466 appointed Square Stewards after adding 12 new volunteers. To check current options, the most useful channel is the Seja Prefeito de Praça service on the 156 WhatsApp.
What information and documents are part of the process
Municipal regulations provide for an administrative process opened by the Municipal Partnerships Department. The required information and documents include:
- identification of the selected square;
- the applicant's history or connection with that location;
- an official identification document, such as a Brazilian ID card or driver's license;
- updated proof of residence;
- a photograph of the applicant for the identification badge.
In practice, it is best to start through an official channel and follow the instructions provided to complete the file. The Municipal Partnerships Department regulations describe the appointment flow in detail.
What happens after the application
After the expression of interest, the city gathers information about the applicant and the selected space. The service page provides for contact by the responsible team and a visit to the location to understand the square and the applicant's relationship with it. The latest regulations also require the nomination to be reviewed through the city's citizen participation structure and by the competent subprefecture.
- Expression of interest: the applicant contacts the 156 WhatsApp service, the official email or another city channel indicated for the program.
- Administrative file: information about the square, the applicant's history and required documents are collected.
- Local review: the nomination is sent to the competent subprefecture for assessment.
- Validation: if the nomination is approved, the applicant is placed in the status of awaiting appointment.
- Appointment: the role is formalized at a ceremony scheduled by the city, with a badge and certificate issued to the volunteer.
The service page states a 30-day period for analysis by the Partnerships Department. This should not be read as a guarantee that the appointment will be completed within 30 days, because the final step also depends on validation and the scheduling of the appointment ceremony.
What a Square Steward does
The role is not a public-sector job and is unpaid. Its purpose is to help the city monitor public spaces and mobilize the community. The duties listed by the city include:
- caring for public equipment located in the square;
- following maintenance services performed by partners and notifying the city when services are not carried out properly;
- reporting public lighting problems and graffiti;
- seeking partners who can contribute to the conservation of the space;
- appointing volunteer assistants, also unpaid, to help with these responsibilities.
The model is based on shared responsibility. The volunteer serves as a point of observation and coordination for the space, while public services and interventions that depend on the municipality continue to follow the city's official procedures and service channels.
How appointment and community participation work
Validated applicants enter the appointment queue, and formalization takes place at a ceremony scheduled by the city. New Square Stewards receive an identification badge and certificate. The program also uses a Governance Pact to reinforce shared responsibility between the community and local government for the care of public spaces.
At the September 19, 2026 ceremony held at Praça Moranense in the Santa Cecília neighborhood, 12 new volunteers joined the program. According to the Porto Alegre city government, they act as partners in the care, maintenance and environmental preservation of recreation and community spaces.
Step by step for anyone who wants to start now
- Open WhatsApp and contact +55 (51) 3433-0156, then select the Prefeitos de Praça option.
- Provide your postal code to check available squares in your area, or indicate a square with which you already have a connection.
- Choose the space and submit your expression of interest.
- Keep the protocol number and follow the instructions for documentation and review.
- If the nomination is validated, wait for the city to schedule the appointment ceremony.
You can also start by emailing apoiepoa@portoalegre.rs.gov.br. The official Prefeitos de Praça program page brings together contact channels and program materials.
