Companion Community Development Alternatives (CoCoDA) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana with the mission of cooperating in projects for democratic, community-based, social and economic development in Central America, and promoting awareness and social responsibility in the United States for more just relations with Latin America.

Over the past decade, CoCoDA has developed an unique program through which community-based organizations in the United States join with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in El Salvador to plan and carry out development projects in communities in that Central American country. This program helps to improve the quality of life and to provide a constructive alternative in communities that are struggling to overcome poverty.

Since 1992 CoCoDA, in partnership with seven Salvadoran NGO’s, has sponsored 72 community development projects involving 42 rural Salvadoran communities located in the mountains of northern Cabañas, the Guazapa Valley of Cuscatlán, and the Lempa River Basin of Usulután. In addition to working with its Salvadoran NGO Associates, CoCoDA has coordinated with numerous groups from the United States to participate in these projects and in related educational activities, involving participants from 21 states. A network of “Companion Community Groups,” or “CoCo Groups,” in the United States provide the core of grassroots support and leadership for CoCoDA’s work.

Projects sponsored by CoCoDA, have included:
• Construction of schools and training and payment of teachers;
• Construction and staffing of health clinics
• Planning and implementation of long-term, community-based education, health and youth leadership programs
• Community radio stations
• Potable water systems
• Land purchase and management programs
• Business training and revolving loan programs
• Women’s organizing and training opportunities
• Emergency disaster relief and disaster mitigation

Cooperation in projects also presents the opportunity to raise awareness in the United States for more just relations with Latin America. CoCoDA has brought numerous community and NGO leaders to the United States to speak to diverse groups about their community-based efforts and about realities in their country.

In the other direction, over the past ten years we have taken more than 50 delegations of U.S. citizens to spend time in Salvadoran communities, interacting with community residents involved in different development programs, and getting a first-hand experience of family life in rural areas where residents strive for social and economic improvement. These experiences change attitudes and lives.

CoCoDA’s operational budget is funded primarily by the annual tax-deductible contributions of individual members, who receive our newsletter, The Companion, and occasional special reports and updates on projects or important issues pertaining to our mission.

CoCoDA’s Board of Directors is made up of 9 to 18 members, including representatives from affiliate “CoCo Groups” and members-at-large from across the United States. The Board meets once per year in Indianapolis to review the health and priorities of the organization, address policy issues, and to provide over-all orientation for the direction of the organization with staff. Committees of Board and non-board members provide oversight of CoCoDA’s financial support for projects in Central America and our educational and fund raising campaigns in the United States.

To become a member of CoCoDA or simply to contribute to our work, please send your tax-deductible contribution of $25 or more, payable to “CoCoDA”, to:

CoCoDA • 609 E. 29th St. • Indianapolis, IN 46205-4160
Tel: 317/920-8643 • Email: cocodaindy@igc.org

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