DCA cares most
deeply about vulnerable individuals, groups and communities whose aspirations
for a better quality of life are frustrated or not realized due to lack of
access to information, knowledge and resources. Their voices are not heard and appreciated in the public dialogue and
processed which inform development decisions and how resources are allocated at
the local, state and regional levels. As
regional integration continues to evolve, there is an urgent need for a
regional organization that will be representative of these missing voices and
perspectives.
DCA will achieve this vision through three areas of engagement. First, DCA will build and sustain an organization that is responsive to
and inclusive of all regional voices, giving particular significance to
vulnerable individuals, groups and communities. Secondly, DCA will create, enable and sustain mechanisms for citizen
engagement through consensus building, knowledge sharing, joint learning and
state-based advocacy. Thirdly, DCA will establish and sustain an institute for community engagement and empowerment. This institute will identify issues of
relevant concern, conduct research, substantiate regional themes and issues,
conduct training and technical assistance and mobilize its membership and key
stakeholders through action-oriented programs and activities.
These actions will be initiated and grounded in the Delta regions of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, but will also have impact within states, the
broader region and nation as well. Our success will be
evident through the following outcomes:
Existence of organization that links citizens and community organizations and serves as an
authentic voice for vulnerable people, families and communities.
Vibrant networks of change agent that not only serves as a learning community but an action-driven
collaborative of citizens and organizations.
Legislation and policies that support, enhance, strengthen and build upon the potential and
assets of vulnerable families and communities
Model program initiatives that enhance the well-being of beneficiaries as demonstrated in
quantifiable, concrete measures.
More equitable distribution of resources (e.g., economic, social, educational, and cultural)
to address the needs of vulnerable youth, families and communities and to bring
about regional transformation that benefits all persons.
The DCA Theory of
Change
DCA brings together
citizens, organizations and other stakeholders in the Delta regions of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi that are committed to building strong
communities and meeting the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups.
By giving greater voice and visibility to the aspirations and hopes of Delta
citizens and communities, DCA aims to reverse those barriers to regional
progress that have separated people, engendered hopelessness and low
expectations, and closed the gates to innovation and progress. This shall be
accomplished by building a regional organization that unites and empowers
citizens for purposes of learning, engagement, advocacy, capacity building and
program innovation. DCA’s ultimate aim is to connect the people, knowledge and
resources necessary to create a more favorable enabling environment for model
development initiatives capable of changing and transforming lives and
communities.
Our success will be evident through the following outcomes: -Existence or organization that links citizens and community organizations and
serves as an authentic voice for vulnerable people, families and communities -Vibrant networks of change agent that not only serves as a learning community
but an action-driven collaborative of citizens and organizations -Legislation and policies that support, enhance, strengthen and build upon the
potential and assets of vulnerable families and communities -Model program initiatives that enhance the well-being of beneficiaries as
demonstrated in quantifiable, concrete measures -More equitable distribution of resources (e.g., economic, social, educational,
and cultural) to address the needs of vulnerable youth, families and communities
and to bring about regional transformation that benefits all persons
