Click here for formatted .pdf file of the 2010 Cocopai Annual Plan of Work

Cocopai Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Cocopai RC&D) provides a diverse range of services in the areas of natural and human resource development that impacts east central Arizona. We provide technical assistance to our; sponsors, non-profit organizations, and concerned citizens when compatible with the Cocopai RC&D Strategic Plan.  The Cocopai RC&D place a high priority on projects and issues impacting the entire service area.  The RC&D does not address projects that others address best, or where collaboration is not needed or possible.  Sponsors and other organizations desiring assistance can make a request in writing to the Council. The Cocopai RC&D also initiate projects consistent with the strategic plan.  All programs and services of the Cocopai RC&D are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap. 

Organizational Strengths: The Cocopai RC&D demonstrate much strength as an effective grassroots rural development organization.  These strengths include addressing problems and opportunities from a multi-county perspective.  The Council representatives know first hand the issues affecting their communities.

 One characteristic that distinguishes the Cocopai RC&D from other rural development organizations is its ability to build partnerships. Solving complex resource issues occurs because individuals or organizations find common ground. A common issue is the thread that weaves diverse individuals and organizations together.  These common issues revolve around social, economic and environmental conditions in the community or region. Through this linkage collaboration evolves. 

Because of the diversity of the Cocopai RC&D, the Council is able to address issues other local development organizations are unable to address.  We bring diverse groups and organizations together to collaboratively solve mutual problems.  Through this partnership we bring additional resources to our service area.  As participants, local leaders are best suited to solve issues affecting their communities. 

Collaborative Problem Solving: The RC&D is a catalyst that links diverse groups -- bringing people and agencies together to work on solutions to common concerns.  By bringing interest groups and local, state, and federal agencies and individuals together, an open dialogue can allow understanding and agreement on issues of mutual concern. 

Project Planning: The RC&D assists organizations to find practical solutions to problems and issues. The planning model used involves citizen participation to facilitate social change.  Participants gain an understanding of the collaborative process--how social changes are made through citizens to solve problems and issues using local resources to foster necessary cooperation toward solving problems and issues. The “Conception to Completion” planning model brings the participants to a well thought out solution acceptable to the community. 

Grant Proposal Writing: Cocopai RC&D writes funding proposals to government agencies, foundations, and corporations on behalf of sponsors and other organizations when consistent with the Cocopai RC&D strategic plan. Our grant proposal writing assistance includes the entire grant writing process, from all aspects of planning (described in the previous section) conducting funder searches, proposal writing, submission of the proposal to the funder, and follow-up with funders.

 Organizational Capacity Building: The Cocopai RC&D assists organizations to prepare strategic plans that guide their future.  In addition we assists our sponsors and others to facilitate meetings.