Coalitions & Collaboratives

COCO extends its heartfelt support to all individuals and communities affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. We recognize the immense challenges faced during such devastating events and have compiled this guide to provide essential resources and tools for recovery. We aim to empower you with actionable steps, reliable information, and connections to support services as you navigate this difficult time. Remember, recovery is a journey, and you are not alone. Please visit aftertheflames.com to access the ATF Quick Guide in English and Spanish. Coaliciones y Colaboraciones (COCO) extiende su más sincero apoyo a todas las personas y las comunidades que han sido afectadas por los recientes incendios forestales en Los Ángeles. Nuestro equipo reconoce la magnitud de los desafíos a los que se están enfrentando durante estos eventos devastadores, por ende, hemos compilado esta guía de ayuda para proporcionar recursos y herramientas esenciales. Nuestro objetivo es brindarles pasos prácticos, información confi able y conexiones a servicios de ayuda. Recuerde, la etapa de recuperación es un proceso largo y queremos enfatizar que usted no está solo. Obtenga más información en aftertheflames.com

#WildfireWednesday Wildfire Councils are valuable ways for communities to organization in order to mitigate the potential of catastrophic wildfire and to develop safe and effective evacuation plans in the event of a wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface. Learn about your community's wildfire risk by visiting wildfirerisk.org Pictured: San Luis Valley Wildfire Council Meeting in Creede Colorado, November 2024.

Team COCO gets interviewed by the Western Governors Association for their podcast, News Out West. Check it out now!

Enjoy our Community Catalyst Fund Friday Navigator Spotlight! Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative "Just with the Community Catalyst Fund funding received from October 2024 through December 2024, SOFRC education staff have served a percentage increase of 3,000% more students in our Wildfire Education Program in comparison to the number of students served in the previous Fall 2023 semester, with 19 students served in Fall 2023 and 614 students served in Fall 2024. A great increase is also expected for Spring 2025. This great increase is due to increased staffing capacity, with a dedicated educator for schools with developing CTE programs. Increased staffing capacity not only supports increased numbers in direct instruction and support of school programs, but also supports implementation of strategic planning." -Jennifer Payne, SOFRC Education Director Community Navigators is supported by USDA Forest Service. To learn more about Coalitions & Collaboratives Community Navigators effort, visit our website here: https://lnkd.in/gfHbdh3F #wildfire #funding #water #conservation

Happy 2025 from Team COCO! We ended 2024 with a strategic planning bang, entering into 2025 knowing that it's our mental and emotional health, and cooperation with one another that will get us through the coming year. We all have each other to support our work in creating resilient ecosystems and thriving communities! In just the first couple weeks, the team has been busy coordinating and hosting collaborative meetings, supporting organizations in seeking funding, hosting certification trainings, providing mitigation mentorship, and so much more. We look forward to keeping you all updated on our work and encourage you to learn more about what we do at co-co.org!

COCO has been closely watching the wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles, California. Our team is keeping tabs on friends and family evacuating, and we're waiting to hear back on the safety of everyone impacted. If you have been affected, please know we are thinking about you, and hope winds start cooperating soon. If you are outside of the immediate evacuation area and need guidance on evacuation preparedness and/or house preparations, Calfire has put together a step-by-step checklist: https://lnkd.in/g3DrbSPF COCO has additional resources in its CWMBP Toolbox at https://lnkd.in/gWWgh7Jf Please be safe, listen to firefighters and first responders and if we can help in any way please reach out to us. This is an image from the evacuation of Highland Park, California.

COCO's Chief Operations Officer, Esther Duke, and her daughter had a wonderful time shopping for toys to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver's Together for Colorado Toy Drive. The generous funds for this effort were raised through COCO's festive holiday cookie contest. Staff, board members, and affiliates participated by voting for the 'most delicious' and 'prettiest' cookies, casting their votes with dollars. This year, the Duke duo can proudly boast about their 'prettiest' cookie creations, while Jedi Lomax claimed the top prize for his now award-winning, gluten-free, and delectably chai-seasoned treats! Wishing you and your loved ones a relaxing holiday season

Happy holidays from Team Coco! We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Trader Joe’s and Denver Beer Co. for their generous donations to our holiday event. Your support made it possible to provide a well-deserved treat for our hardworking team. Thank you for helping us spread some extra joy this season!

Last week, the team traveled to Denver for a series of board presentations, team-building activities, program innovation sessions, and holiday celebrations. We held our multi-day meeting at the spectacular CSU Spur Campus, which provided an inspiring setting for our work. Despite a packed schedule, we made significant progress on key initiatives—and had a great time doing it!

HAPPY COLORADO GIVES DAY! I gave, have you?! COCO desperately needs your support to reach our goal and aid in our growing program capacity. Now, more than ever is the time to donate to the organizations that align with your beliefs and support your communities. Please donate now at https://lnkd.in/g-VbHRXy