"The Popular Organizaton Heals”

This research was conducted in Santiago, Chile, between March 2022 and June 2023, with a group of eight men aged 35 to 50, who were members of a popular social organization focused on public health who denounce the current crisis and advocate for equitable public health services. Existing literature demonstrated music’s capacity to support emotional expression and challenge hegemonic masculinity. However, research integrating these perspectives within a community music therapy framework remains scarce, particularly in popular social organizational contexts. The purpose of the current study was to collectively rethink masculinity through processes of emotional expression. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in action research, the study employed ethnographic tools, grounded theory analysis, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and data triangulation. The study occurred over the course of 15 months with 26 sessions, utilizing all four core music therapy experiences (i.e., improvisation, recreation, composition, and receptive listening; Bruscia, 2014). There were five phases to the study: (1) preparation, (2) community work, (3) implementation, (4) closure, and (5) follow-up. The current researchers highlighted the creation of a collective space for reflecting on the construction of masculinity, emotional awareness, and expression. Additionally, the process created opportunities to share experiences with other organizations and to develop a masculinity-focused workshop. The community music therapy approach facilitated the appropriation and deconstruction of masculinity through emotional expression and collective reflection. Acknowledgements To the Maipú Health Committee for never stopping believing in this project.