WHAT IS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION?
Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Costa Rica are nonprofit organizations made up of local residents. Their fundamental goal is to promote social, economic, and environmental development.
These entities are of public interest but governed *by private law, allowing them to take actions that **benefit their communities. They work in *collaboration with institutions, municipalities, and other public and private organizations.
These associations operate under the Community Development Law (Law No. 3859) to encourage communities and state organizations to contribute to Costa Rica’s economic and social development. They are **supervised by the National Directorate of Community Development (DINADECO).
Communities wishing to organize and undertake integral or specific development activities may do so through district, cantonal, regional, provincial, or national associations, all governed by Law 3859.
WHY ARE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS IMPORTANT?
✅ They improve quality of life
- Manage infrastructure, education, health, environmental, and cultural projects.
✅ They provide access to funds and resources
- Can receive government funding and other resources to carry out community projects.
✅ They encourage citizen participation
- Allow residents to take part in decision-making about their community’s development.
✅ They promote self-management
- Empower residents to work together on local solutions without relying solely on the central government.
✅ They strengthen social bonds
- Foster cooperation and a sense of belonging among residents.
SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
These associations are established to achieve specific objectives regardless of territorial jurisdiction.
- They require at least 50 affiliated members.
- They automatically dissolve once they have fulfilled their established goal.
WORK STRUCTURE
Community Development Associations consist of:
1️⃣ A General Assembly of members
2️⃣ A Board of Directors
3️⃣ Auxiliary work committees or branches
General Assembly
This is the highest decision-making body in a Community Development Association. It consists of all registered members who have been part of the organization for at least three months, as approved by the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities of the General Assembly:
- ✅ Elect the members of the Board of Directors
- ✅ Approve amendments to the association’s statutes
- ✅ Review, approve, or reject reports from the Board of Directors
- ✅ Approve, reject, or modify the association’s annual work plan
- ✅ Address resignations submitted by Board members
- ✅ Approve the association’s internal regulations
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for leading the association in accordance with Law No. 3859, its regulations, statutes, and the decisions made by the General Assembly.
It must have at least seven members, including:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Vocal 1
- Vocal 2
- Vocal 3
WORK COMMITTEES OR ASSOCIATION BRANCHES
To streamline the association’s work, the Board of Directors is authorized to create committees or branches.
These groups support the organization’s tasks and can be formed to:
- Represent small neighborhoods within the jurisdiction
- Develop specific projects outlined in the work plan
For example, an association may form committees for:
📌 Culture | 📌 Health | 📌 Youth | 📌 Road Maintenance | 📌 Security
According to Article 55 of the regulations of Law No. 3859, development associations must establish rules for the structure and operation of committees and workgroups.
WORK PLAN GOALS OF THE MADERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THIS YEAR
1️⃣ Road Maintenance and Improvement
- Repair, cleaning, and expansion of the main road
- Construction of drainage ditches and culverts
- Acquisition of construction materials and labor costs
2️⃣ Support for the Local School
- Investment in school projects, donations, and assistance
3️⃣ Social Welfare Donations
- Contributions and support for social welfare initiatives
4️⃣ Fundraising Activities
- Organizing events to raise funds for local projects
5️⃣ Investment in Heavy Machinery and Land Acquisition
- Payments for heavy machinery work
- Purchasing land for community projects
6️⃣ Office Equipment Acquisition
- Purchase of computers, printers, desks, and essential office supplies
7️⃣ Community Hall Equipment and Furnishings
- Acquisition of appliances, tables, chairs, kitchen utensils, and sound equipment
8️⃣ Community Hall Improvements
- Investments in infrastructure, renovations, and maintenance
- Sanitary services, tiling, painting, and electrical upgrades
9️⃣ Support for ASADA and School Board Projects
- Investment in projects led by ASADA (Water Administration) and the School Board
🔟 Recycling Initiatives
- Implementation of community recycling programs
1️⃣1️⃣ Reforestation of Water Recharge Areas
- Investment in reforestation to protect and restore local water sources
WHY SHOULD ALL RESIDENTS JOIN?
👥 To have a voice in community decisions
🏡 To drive projects that improve local living conditions
💰 To access resources and opportunities
🤝 To strengthen the community through teamwork
Community Development Associations (CDAs) are essential for sustainable and equitable development in Costa Rica. Citizen participation is key to their success!
CAN ANYONE JOIN A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION?
✅ Yes! Everyone can participate.
Women, men, adults, youth, teenagers, indigenous people, Afro-descendants, people with disabilities, nationals, and foreigners can all be part of an association to contribute to local and national development.
Requirements to Join a Community Development Association:
- Be at least 12 years old
- Live in the community
- Express a desire to join
- Provide an identification document
(Any migrant, regardless of immigration status, can become a member of a development association.)
HOW CAN I JOIN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION?
It’s very easy! Simply complete the membership application form attached to this presentation and submit it to a member of the association (Pao or Marce).
