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 community-based development in Central America, and promoting awareness and social responsibility in the United States for more just relations with Latin America.
  
Since 1992, in partnership with seven Salvadoran NGOs and diverse U.S. community-based groups in 25 states, CoCoDA has cooperated in 87 community projects for reconstruction and development, benefitting 44 rural Salvadoran communities located in the ex-conflictive zones of northern Cabañas (Santa Marta), the Guazapa Valley of Cuscatlán (Suchitoto), and the Lempa River Basin of Usulután.

CoCoDA has provided nearly $1 million to projects including:

• Construction and re-construction of rural schools, clinics, and  community / cultural  centers
• Operations and program development for rural health and education
• Scholarships for academic advancement of community teachers (“maestros y maestras populares”) and rural youth
• Community radio stations
• Rural computer and internet access
• Potable water systems
• Community land purchases and management
• Business loan and administrative training programs
• Women’s organizing and gender equality
• Emergency disaster relief and disaster mitigation

CoCoDA coordinates speaking and cultural tours in the United States featuring community leaders from El Salvador and leads delegations of people from diverse communities in the United States to visit El Salvador.  The purpose of CoCoDA delegations is to provide people in the United States with the opportunity to visit El Salvador not as tourists but as guests of organizations and communities that are working to improve social and economic conditions in their country.  These visits allow delegation participants to learn first-hand about Salvadoran history and current realities from the perspective of Salvadorans themselves, and to experience Salvadoran culture through activities, meetings, excursions and day-to-day informal interactions with local residents. 

Of a total $185,550 income for CoCoDA in 2008, contributions from individuals and community-based groups accounted for 26%; revenue from program activities, such as delegations to El Salvador, 44%; and grants from foundations 15%.  The remaining 15% came primarily from staff interpreting and consultant services, which help us pay wages and administrative expenses. 

Since its founding, CoCoDA has relied on part-time and volunteer coordinators to manage the organization.  Individuals from CoCoDA’s Coordination Team are contracted to lead delegations to El Salvador on a case by case basis.  CoCoDA’s Board of Directors is made up of 9 to 18 members, including representatives from partner community groups in the United States and members-at-large from across the country.

All CoCoDA’s achievements are possible thanks to CoCoDA members, who contribute $25 or more per year to the organization.  We need more members!  Please visit our contributions  page to make a membership contribution or to support one of our current program campaigns.  Thank you!!