Capacity Building

Capacity building can be described in various ways depending upon the person asked and in what context, and if in reference to a particular event or activity.  DACE defines capacity building as:

• Providing financial assistance to aid local groups in procuring non-profit status to extend the reach of public benefit services to rural residents
• Supporting the administrative and operational functions of the Corporations to undertake the work as designated by the community and the Board of Directors
• Providing technical assistance to local organizations, tribes, and communities for project and program development
• Championing the issues and challenges within the political arena that are perceived to impede growth and progress within rural communities
• Providing leadership training opportunities that promote better understanding of government and agency systems
• Encouraging civic participation of residents through open forums designed to address concerns of specific issues
• Promoting healthier communities through environmental, social, economic and political justice

In providing these services, the capacity of communities and individual residents has improved by enabling them to participate in such activities as:

• Making recommendations to State agencies on progression of programs resulting in greater transportation related health and safety
• Initiating the Eastern Coachella Valley Social Change Collaborative as a collaborative effort amongst private, non-profit, faith-based, and public entities to address issues negatively impacting east valley residents
• Garnering funding in partnership with local tribes and communities towards improving the infrastructure and planning through technology
• Utilizing resources to aid residents in understanding zoning and planning of their communities to provide input in future development
• Organizing community forums with political representatives to engage in open dialogue about local and state legislative issues related to rural communities
• Served as host to many economic, environmental, housing, and health related symposiums and meetings that served to establish common goals in planning sustainable growth
• Providing the Resource Center facilities for community benefit activities that further promote strategic goals of the organization

As grassroot components of our strategic plan, DACE views capacity building as a catalyst to greater participation in the planning and growth of the communities we serve. We believe it is at the grassroots level where the strategic vision for change is initiated and implemented.

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