"What if no volunteers showed up for work in your community for one month!"
What is RC&D
The Assumption
The Purpose
The Process
Organizational Structure
RC&D, Making Things Happen -- Facts About RC&D Councils
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Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils that help people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves the local economy, environment and living standards. RC&D is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their areas a better place to live.
RC&D is based on the assumption that local citizens with assistance, can develop and carry out an action-oriented plan for the social, economic, and environmental enrichment of their communities.
The purpose of RC&D is to promote conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources; to improve the general level of economic activity; and to enhance the environmental and standard of living in all communities. The aim is to provide a system of rural development, encourage the wise use of natural resources, and improve the quality of life in America.
To carry out the RC&D concept, diverse groups of local volunteers are brought together in a unique partnership to find solutions to their problems. The structure for this process involves:
- Identifying Problems
- Establishing Goals and Objectives
- Developing Alternative Plans
- Implementing Plans
The National Association of RC&D Councils is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a collective national voice for local RC&D Councils. The Association serves as an advocate for local councils on national and regional issues that identify, address, and solve challenges that enhance the quality of life in rural America.
The Texas Association of RC&D Areas, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves 23 councils throughout the state. The Association is committed to providing statewide education, leadership and coordination as required to expedite the individual Resource Conservation and Development Areas missions. The Association's purpose is to enhance and improve the standard of living and the quality of live in the member RC&D Areas.
The RC&D Councils direct the program at the local level. They provide a focal point of local leadership, bring together private citizens, and local, state, and federal agencies to improve economic, social, and environmental well-being. Each council has a governing body consisting of representatives of all RC&D sponsors. Nearly half of the council members are locally elected officials such as mayors, judges, or commissioners. The typical RC&D Area covers seven counties and the average council has 14 sponsors.
The Coordinator assists the council in carrying out its objectives and goals by providing guidance, advice, and directing staff assistance to the RC&D Councils. However, the coordinator does not assume responsibilities reserved for local leaders serving voluntarily on RC&D Councils or related committees.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (RC&D)
MAKING THINGS HAPPENFacts About RC&D Councils:
- Councils provide a focal point of local leadership and bring together private citizens, and local, state, and federal agencies to improve the economic, social, and environmental well-being.
- RC&D has the proven ability and strength of leadership to engage and accomplish projects from the local to the national level. Authorized RC&D Areas serve 67% of U.S. counties. Approximately 300 additional counties have pending applications to become RC&D areas.
- The USDA Secretary of Agriculture has authorized 340 RC&D Areas. Legislation authorizes up to 450 RC&D AReas to be formed.
- Texas has 22 authorized RC&D Areas and one (1) RC&D Area is still seeking authorization.
- RC&D activates community support with over 21,000 volunteers nationwide and over 2000 volunteers in Texas.
- All RC&D Councils in Texas are 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
- All RC&D Councils have Area Plans defining their goals and objectives. Councils serve as a conduit for USDA Programs that assist in Area Plan implementation.
- For every dollar appropriated by Congress for RC&D, the Councils have leveraged an average of $14 from other sources nationwide. The ratio is 28 to 1 in Texas.
1716
Briarcrest Drive, Suite 507, Bryan, TX 77802-2700 | Phone -- (979) 846-0819 | Fax -- (979) 846-0923 |