This study analyzes “mediating visions” and the actions of so-called “mediating groups” involved in the organization of rural settlements, emphasizing the use of the methodology known as “Emancipatory Participative Rapid Appraisal” (DRPE)2. In general, the action of those groups has been occurring in an aleatory and authoritarian way, seeking to transform settlers into rural entrepreneurs, socialists, family farmers and other categories without first attempting to understand their life projects. This article presents some reflections on the role of the participative diagnosis as an alternative to tutorial interventions.