Colonias Development Council

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Our Work

The Doña Ana County Colonias Development Council works for justice – social, economic and environmental – in the colonia communities of southern New Mexico. The CDC began in the late 1980s as a project of the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and became an independent nonprofit in 1994. Our work is rooted in two primary sources: 1) the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and 2) Catholic Social Teachings, which call for the solidarity of all people for the common good.

The Colonias Development Council uses community organizing and leadership development to help colonia residents find solutions to their concerns. We identify community leaders, prioritize issues, advocate on behalf of residents and develop community-based projects, often in partnership with other organizations and agencies. Currently, the Colonias Development Council is involved in campaigns and projects around such issues as:

  • environmental justice;

  • immigration and civil rights;

  • education;

  • housing;

  • job creation;

  • child development;

  • farmworker rights;

  • political participation.

Each issue requires a different strategy or combination of strategies. The CDC helps residents identify effective strategies, helpful agencies and organizations, and successful processes for meeting their goal.

 In our 14-year history, we’ve worked in 12 of Doña Ana County’s 37 colonias. Approximately 100 community leaders are involved in community organizing and development efforts. The CDC, with its office in Las Cruces, employs approximately 15 staff members.

Please Support Our Work!

Donate Now Through Network for Good

Donations to the Colonias Development Council are tax-deductible.  Given that grant funds are harder to come by in the current economy, any contributions are extremely welcome.  By becoming a Friend of CDC you will receive periodic updates. Click on the Donate Now button above, contact us directly at the address below, or visit the Support our Work page for other ways to help us. 

We have a current appeal for funding to support the Chaparral Family Development Center with monthly operating expenses for its first year of operation.  Please download our letter and send to anyone who might be able to help. 

Thanks! 

Photo of Rincon, New Mexico by Karen Bucher

    (Photo of Rincon, NM by Karen Bucher)

Our Mission

The mission of the Colonias Development Council is to improve the quality of life in the colonia-designated communities of southern New Mexico.  The Colonias Development Council works under the following three assumptions:

  • That people are acutely aware of their needs and resources;
  • That given the opportunity, people can take positive actions to change conditions in their lives;
  • That by building communities through mutual support, people can become empowered to overcome obstacles in their environment which before may have appeared insurmountable.

What is a colonia?

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development defines a colonia as a community located within 150 miles of the U.S.- Mexico border that lacks one or more of the following: a potable water supply; adequate sewage and drainage systems; decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and/or paved roads.  

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Contact Information:  

1050 Monte Vista, Las Cruces, NM 88001

Phone: (575) 647-2744,  Fax: (575) 647-1462

Please e-mail Megan Snedden with questions or comments about this website.