Revisions

Phoenix NGO information page

Volunteerism Resources: __**VolunteerMatch.org**__ is an online community that brings "good people and good causes" together. Tens of thousands of volunteer opportunities are posted at any given time, and Volunteer Match helps to get people connected with local agencies that are doing good.

__**HandsOn Greater Phoenix**__ is the local affiliate of the HandsOn Network, the largest volunteer network in the nation. HandsOn Greater Phoenix works with pre-screened community service organizations, underserved schools, and neighborhood groups to design projects that can meet their urgent needs and be achieved with the talents and available time of busy volunteers. Ongoing communication between HandsOn Greater Phoenix staff and community agencies make sure that project goals are being met, volunteers are having rewarding experiences and that there are enough volunteers for the job.

__**OutdoorVolunteer.org**__ is a service provided by Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona, a nonprofit corporation that involves Arizonans in outdoor environmental stewardship work. VOAZ and partner conservation agencies plan volunteer events to build, repair and maintain trails, restore habitats, and protect native biodiversity.

Week by week topics: 1. How did humans meet their needs as hunters and gatherers?

2. How has science changed our understanding of the world?

3. How have humans changed the planet to meet their current for **food**?

4. How have humans changed the planet to meet their current needs for **water**?

5. How have humans changed the planet to meet their current needs for **energy**?

• Policies and regulations should be simple, fair, and effective. • Policies should deliver both economic leadership and environmental sustainability. • Policy positions must be well supported by analyses and empirical data based on logic and facts. • Policies should be established on market-based mechanisms. • Policy outcomes must deliver transparent programs and level playing fields for all market participants. < [] >
 * __CLEAN Coalition__** works towards making "**C**lean **L**ocal **E**nergy **A**ccessible **N**ow." The Coalition works at local, state and national levels to implement policies and programs that accelerate the adoption of clean, affordable, and sustainable local energy sources across the country. CLEAN believes public policies are the fastest and most efficient way to create change and that, done right, they will allow both timely transition to clean energy sources and provide compelling economic benefits to adopters. It recognizes that instituting these changes is an uphill battle against a way of doing things that is firmly entrenched. In recognition of this difficulty, CLEAN has adopted the following core principles:

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 * __Earthworks__** is an activist organization aimed at effecting change in mineral resource extraction and energy development. Earthworks exposes detrimental effects of mineral and energy extraction on health, environment, economy and culture, and works with grassroots and community groups to inspire responsible changes in corporate practices, materials sourcing, and government policy. Earthworks is working closely with communities in southern Arizona to improve conditions and practices at a copper mine which consumes significant quantities of groundwater from an already arid region and is the single largest toxic pollution producer in the state.

6. Are there renewable, nonpolluting energy sources that can replace petroleum-based sources?


 * __Arizona Solar Center__** is dedicated towards enhancing the use of renewable energy, educating Arizonans on developments in solar technology, and supporting the industry of solar and renewable energy technology within the state. The Center acts as a clearinghouse of information for solar and renewable energy technology and provides regular updates on developments in both science and policy. It also provides training and educational assistance for professionals, teachers and the public, and maintains a list of resources regarding government agencies, trade groups and service providers that are active in renewable energy. <[]>

7. How have current human needs changed? Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix: < [] > Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley: < [] >
 * __Boys and Girls Clubs of America__** is a national organization dedicated to providing youth with safe places to learn and grow. Five programs/initiatives form the core of services at every Boys and Girls Club, in the areas of Education & Career, Character & Leadership, Health & Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. These programs are intended to provide youths with engaging activities that teach valuable life skills in a safe and supportive environment. Local Club organizations often develop additional programs to meet the specific needs of their communities.


 * __DUET__** is an interfaith organization working to provide services for the health and well-being of homebound adults, caregivers, faith communities and grandparents raising grandchildren. DUET provides a helping hand to older adults in the greater Phoenix community, and its volunteers help with simple services, such as grocery shopping, transportation to doctor's visits, companionship and friendly conversations, paperwork assistance, simple handyman work, respite or teaching computer skills. < [] >

//Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona// (Phoenix) < [] > //Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills// (Anthem) < [] >
 * __Habitat for Humanity International__** and its regional affiliates are faith-based organizations that believe that every man, woman and child should have a decent home to live in. Habitat cites statistics developed by the United Nations in 2005 that show approximately 1.6 billion people around the world lived in substandard and inadequate housing, and nearly 100 million were homeless. Habitat builds houses that are simple, decent and affordable to low income families around the world. This work is possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and faith groups that provide vital financial support. Habitat houses are built by volunteers and Habitat homeowners themselves, who contribute hundreds of hours of 'sweat equity' towards their own and fellow Habitat homeowners' homes. Two affiliates serve the Greater Phoenix area: Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills, which focuses on Anthem. The Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona Affiliate is one of the Top Ten affiliate groups in the nation in terms of production, and has built over 474 homes since 1995, including entire communities. < [] >


 * __Homeward Bound__** is a Phoenix area organization dedicated to assisting families with children that are homeless or dealing with domestic violence to achieve economic independence, secure stable long-term housing, and break cycles of violence. Volunteers may mentor families and provide guidance and friendship to teach stable family dynamics through monitoring and by example; working with children; nurturing babies; refurbishing homes; sorting, organizing and transporting donations; and more. < [] >


 * __Hope Village Arizona__** is a planned intergenerational community and neighborhood intended to provide permanent adoptive homes for hard-to-place foster children awaiting adoption. Hope Village envisions a community housing active senior citizens and adoptive families that will adopt children who might otherwise spend much of their childhood in foster care. The seniors of the community will provide active support to these families and each other in their retirement years, acting as surrogate grandparents. Hope Village AZ is modeled on the example of Hope Meadows, a thriving community in Illinois. < [|http://hopevillageaz.org] >

**__Maryvale on the Move__** - A project in the culturally rich Maryvale and Canyon Corridor communities of Phoenix working to enhance the viability of Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) in their neighborhoods. Approximately 200 community members took part in community design workshops in early 2010 to identify issues and potential solutions in these neighborhoods. Fifty key members took up the challenge to continue in deeper planning stages to prioritize issues and transform them into an operational work plan, which was drafted in June 2010. This plan calls for focused work in four major areas: creation and support of community gardens, increasing the availability and distribution of affordable, healthy foods, improving parks and other recreational activities, and expanding the number of safe streets comfortable for all travelers. Action teams of community residents and interested supporters focused on each area work together as a group to define and accomplish goals with support from the Maryvale on the Move leadership and program staff. < [] >


 * __One Small Step__** is a faith-based organization that provides socks to those in need. Socks and underwear are among the least donated articles of clothing and clothing banks often run short. One Small Step takes donations of socks, then sorts, sanitizes, mends, packages, and redistributes them. When possible, volunteers try to ensure that at least one pair of new socks are included, but they happily take and clean socks that are worn but not worn out. Volunteers (of any faith or no religion at all) meet in the Phoenix area every Wednesday morning to process socks and new underwear. < [] >


 * __Project C.U.R.E.__** (Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment) is a charity dedicated to soliciting, obtaining, sorting, and distributing medical supplies to areas of need around the globe. Project CURE operates in 10 U.S. cities and has both a collection and a distribution center located in Tempe. Volunteer activities in Tempe include the testing, sorting, checking, organizing, packaging, and transport of medical supplies to the regions and medical professionals who need them most. <[]>


 * __YMCA__** is a faith-based organization that is the nation's leading non-profit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Valley of the Sun YMCA offers a wide array of programs aimed at their three core services, including child care, youth/teen education and development, family activities, fitness and recreational programs, job training, mentoring, health clinics, cultural exchange programs, and many more. < [] >

8. What must humans do to achieve sustainability?
 * __Arizona Hydrological Society__** works to advance hydrology and water resources research, planning, and development. The Society provides a forum for professionals in the field to engage in discussion and exchange information. AHS also provides education and training to the public regarding the science and technology of hydrology and water resources. A major goal of the Society is promoting responsible use, management and preservation of water resources in the arid Southwest. < [] >


 * __Black Mesa Water Coalition__** was founded by a group of young, inter-tribal, inter-ethnic people dedicated towards addressing problems of water depletion, natural resource exploitation and health promotion within the Navajo and Hopi communities. It focuses on empowering young people and developing young leaders that can help protect nature and reinvigorate tribal communities in culturally appropriate ways. The coalition champions the development of green jobs to simultaneously address climate change and the historical economic problems within the Navajo Nation. < [] >


 * __Keep Arizona Beautiful__** is the Arizona affiliate of the broader Keep America Beautiful movement. KAZB has three primary operations focuses: beautification and community greening, litter reduction, and waste prevention and recycling practices. KAZB encourages sustainable daily practices, tries to identify and fix the root causes of litter, conducts regular community clean-up activities, and works to promote and support responsible consumerism to reduce the impact of solid waste. < [] >

**__Master Watershed Steward Program__** - The Master Watershed Steward Program is a partnership of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Arizona Department of Water Quality designed to educate and train citizens across the state of Arizona to serve as volunteers in the protection, monitoring, conservation and restoration of their water and watersheds. Interested people of diverse backgrounds enter the program to obtain research-based training in understanding, monitoring, maintaining and restoring their watershed alongside local groups, agencies and researchers. Stewards become resources for their communities and have the training to make better, more informed decisions related to their land, communities and watershed. In the course of their training, stewards complete over 40 hours of course and field work to learn the basics of watershed science, and continue to contribute 40 hours of volunteer service to their community in order to earn Master Watershed Steward status. < [] >


 * __Valley Permaculture Alliance__** is a loose-knit organization with the goal of promoting sustainable living in the Valley. Members of the Alliance provide training, education and tours of sustainable homes to inspire Valley residents with creative, cooperative ways of living sustainably in the urban environment. < [] >


 * __Verde Watershed Association__** is a voluntary association of members of watershed communities working together to understand each other and the watershed in order to develop wise, cooperative and sustainable use of water resources. The Association acts as a forum to 'bring people and science together,' sponsoring dialogues between regulatory agencies and the public, advising decision makers on plans and proposals, disseminating information through public newsletters and presentations to citizens groups, and analyzing information and research needs. < [] >

9. How can we achieve sustainable production of consumer goods?
 * __Environmental Defense Fund__** is a leading national organization that brings together science, economics and law to develop smart, fair and cost-effective solutions for urgent environmental problems. EDF makes unlikely partnerships with businesses, governments and communities that improve their performance while creating environmental benefits. Some of the sensible and profitable solutions EDF has been involved with include partnerships with McDonald's to eliminate 150,000 tons of packaging waste over 10 years, with FedEx to put hybrid trucks on the road to cut smog and soot emissions while increasing mileage by 50%, and with Walmart to improve energy efficiency and cut waste in the largest retailer in the world and its network of over 100,000 suppliers. In Arizona, EDF has been responsible for the protection of critical wetlands on the Colorado River, and an innovative Safe Harbor policy originally developed by EDF encourages private landowners to restore habitats for endangered animals without fear of future restraints on the use of their property. < [] >

10. How can we recycle used products?
 * __Goodwill Industries International__** helps people from all walks of life acquire the training, placement assistance, and other services they need to obtain gainful, meaningful employment. It has been a pioneer in environmentally friendly practices, and annually diverts upwards of two billion pounds of unwanted clothing and household goods from the waste stream. These goods are resold through Goodwill retail stores and online stores, with the proceeds helping to fund its training efforts. Goodwill has been operating with a focus on sustainability, and in 2010 signed a 2 year purchase agreement to offset all of its energy usage with wind energy production. <[]> <[]>


 * __Habitat for Humanity ReStores__** are outlets that generally focus on the sale of reusable and surplus building materials and related home improvement goods like furniture, home accessories and appliances. ReStores accept donated goods and re-sell them to the public at a fraction of the retail price. This approach provides an environmentally and socially responsible way to reuse good materials and keep them out of the waste stream. The proceeds generated by Habitat for Humanity ReStores help fund the community development and home-building work of Habitat for Humanity's affiliates. <[]>

11. How can we preserve ecosystems?
 * __American Conservation Experience__** is an organization that attracts long-term volunteers from across the globe to take part in challenging volunteer projects in National Parks, National Forests and wilderness areas across the Western United States. ACE is active in Arizona maintaining and restoring Grand Canyon Trails, protecting the ecosystem of the Grand Canyon from invasion of non-native plants carried along by the vast number of tourists and visitors to the area, restoring habitats of fish native to Arizona (all of which are endangered, with many on the brink of extinction), and conducting preventative maintenance in the Prescott National Forest trails system. Participants in ACE commit to 12 week or longer terms and rotate through projects every 3-4 weeks to gain an understanding of the vital conservation work performed every day in public lands across the Southwest. < [] >


 * __Arizona Wilderness Coalition__** is a group dedicated towards the permanent protection, restoration and designation of wilderness and other wild lands and waters in Arizona for the enjoyment of its citizens and preservation of a lasting home for its animals and plants. Volunteers and staff with AWC monitor, restore and safeguard existing wilderness lands as well as assess and advocate for the designation of additional wilderness lands to combat future sprawl and other human impact on fragile ecosystems and their biodiversity. < [] >

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 * __The Conservation Fund__** is a national organization that brings together economics and the environment to conduct conservation work. Rather than develop its own agenda and membership, the Conservation Fund behaves as a "business of conservation" and works with other community, government and corporate organizations to help them fulfill their conservation goals. In Arizona, the Fund has permanently preserved more than 940,000 acres through partnerships with independent landowners, tribal officials, the Bureau of Land Management, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and other public agencies.


 * __Ducks Unlimited__** is a major, national organization that works towards conservation, restoration and management of wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. In the climate extremes of Arizona that run from sweltering desert to frozen ponds, the limited wetlands available for waterfowl are a persistent and difficult conservation challenge. Wetlands face declining water quality and quantity as the state population and its water demands continue to grow beyond the ability of water resources to renew. DU works with partner agencies and organizations to maintain, restore and enhance habitats across the state to improve conditions for wildlife and public enjoyment. < [] >


 * __Grand Canyon Trust__** is a national trust originally founded for the purpose of conservation work in the Grand Canyon. The scope of the Grand Canyon Trust has expanded since its inception and now includes the protection and restoration of the entire surrounding Colorado Plateau, a region spreading across 130,000 square miles. The Trust's professional and volunteer staff work to protect public lands, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, restore forests and habitats, preserve archaeological sites, advocate for renewable energy, and facilitate sustainable development and social justice projects with Native American communities. < [] > < [] >


 * __Highlands Center for Natural History__** is a science and educational organization located in Prescott, AZ. Highlands Center works to teach people of all ages about the wonders of the natural world and the need to be wise caretakers of the natural world. Efforts including day camps, family programs, lectures, field trips, and workshops allow Highland to touch over 10,000 adults and children each year. Highland features and teaches green building strategies, water conservation, fire-wise landscaping and the use of native plants in re-vegetation. < [] >

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 * __The Nature Conservancy__**is a major international conservation organization whose Arizona branch operates twelve preserves and has protected almost 1.5 million acres of land. The Conservancy works closely with the public and private sectors to develop viable sustainability solutions that respect community needs but allow for a prosperous, sustainable future. The Conservancy's Center for Science and Public Policy in Arizona conducts scientific research and builds bonds between groups in order to foster cooperative solutions for the pressing challenges Arizona faces. <[]>


 * __Prescott Creeks Preservation Organization__** coordinates programs and projects that enhance water quality and riparian habitats in Prescott, AZ. Its education and outreach programs inform the public about the status of the watershed and potential sources of pollution. Prescott Creeks' approach to protect and enhance waterway systems centers on addressing watershed problems and providing opportunities for the public to learn about the impact of these efforts through direct engagement. < [] >


 * __Sierra Club__** is one of the nation's oldest and most influential grassroots environmental groups. The Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter was established to focus efforts against dams in the Grand Canyon. The chapter's efforts in the Grand Canyon and Colorado River continue, but it has since expanded its efforts and goals. The Grand Canyon Chapter now seeks to engage members and the public in protecting communities, public lands, habitats and wildlife; promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency; and supporting pedestrian, bike and mass-transit friendly communities. < [] >


 * __Sky Islands Alliance__** is a grassroots organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the natural habitats and heritage of the Sky Islands region. The region, which extends across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, consists of forested mountain 'islands' separated by vast expanses of desert and grassland plains. The complex topology of this area and its geographic location create profound biodiversity; over half of North America's bird species, over a hundred mammalian species and thousands of plant species call the Sky Islands region home. Land development, climate change, poor grazing practices, resource extraction and other human activities pose a threat to the region. The Sky Islands Alliance works to protect, maintain and restore the region in cooperation with scientists, officials, public agencies and private landowners. < [] >


 * __Southwest Conservation Corps__** is modeled on the legacy of the 1930's Civilian Conservation Corps and brings together young women and men to work on safe, structured and challenging service opportunities with an ethic of environmental stewardship. Participants aged 18-25 work in the field to support local communities, complete conservation projects or conduct sustainable forestry projects across a tri-state region of Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Specialized programs exist to use the skills of current era veterans and college graduates to contribute towards conservation goals.< [] >


 * __Student Conservation Association__** is one of the nation's leading conservation organizations, with a mission of training the next generation of conservation leaders and inspiring lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities. SCA brings together college and high school students to connect with nature, gain perspective and develop hands on skills and knowledge to become stewards of our living world. SCA volunteers in Arizona are active in national parks, wildlife refuges, and tribal lands across and contiguous with the state. < [] >


 * __Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona__** is a community of outdoor volunteers that plan, manage and complete worthy environmental stewardship work. Volunteer leadership plans restoration projects in cooperation with public and non-profit land managers to plan the extent of work and to provide the necessary support so that volunteers can have a safe, productive and fun day on the job. Volunteers will often build and maintain trails, restore habitats, tend to flora and fauna, and generally preserve and enjoy nature. VOAZ partners and cooperates with many Arizona conservation agencies to bring together the volunteer workforce necessary to achieve their goals. < [] >

12. How can we preserve biodiversity?
 * __Arizona Antelope Foundation__** is an organization of sportsmen and wildlife conservationists devoted towards the welfare and survival of the pronghorn antelope. The Foundation seeks to increase pronghorn populations through habitat improvements, habitat acquisition, translocation of animals to their historic range, and advocacy. < [] >


 * __Arizona Elk Society__** operates with the goal of benefiting elk and other wildlife through habitat and preservation with the intent of preserving a hunting and outdoor heritage for present and future generations. The society works with public agencies and land owners to try to find sound win-win conservation solutions, recognizing the philosophical differences inherent in conservation work. AES members work hard and take a hands-on approach to problem solving both to maximize the impact of their donors' dollars, and to train and involve tomorrow's stewards of nature, its fauna and its habitats. < [] >


 * __Arizona Wildlife Education Foundation__** is a public education focused Foundation established in 1967 by conservation-minded members of the Arizona Wildlife Federation. AWEF conducts educational workshops for all ages regarding conservation, the environment, outdoor recreation and resource management. It also provides grants for non-profit organizations to conduct Arizona-based projects that increase the knowledge of Arizona's wildlife and their habitats. < [] >


 * __Arizona Wildlife Federation__** is a non-profit, state-wide organization dedicated towards the conservation, management and protection of wildlife and their habitat through education and inspiration of individuals and organizations. At its inception AWF was dedicated towards the establishment and maintenance of a state Departmental level form of apolitical wildlife administration based on science. The present Department of Game and Fish was established through the advocacy of AWF's early members, and AWF has since turned its attention towards promoting outdoor recreation, conservation education and legislation to protect natural resources. < [] >


 * __Defenders of Wildlife__** is an organization with branches in the United States and Mexico that is dedicated towards the protection of wildlife across the nation (and across borders). Originally founded to protect wolf species and other fur-bearing animals, its focus has since organically grown to encompass wildlife and habitat conservation, natural resource management and energy development, climate change and biodiversity. Its Southwest Office, headquartered in Tucson, AZ, focuses on recovering the Mexican wolf, safeguarding wildlife and habitats along the border, protecting the Sonoran Desert and its species, recovering the American jaguar, and reaching out, educating and inspiring the public. < [] >


 * __Maricopa Audubon Society__** is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, an organization that has been active for more than a century in the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats. Maricopa Audubon holds regular bird-watching field trips and works with other conservation minded agencies to restore habitats, with an emphasis on riparian habitat, old growth forest, and those used by endangered species. < [] >

13. How can we attain social justice?


 * __Andre House__** is a faith-based 'house of hospitality' in downtown Phoenix offering food, clothing, laundry, blankets, showers and shelter to those in need. Guests at Andre House can eat a warm meal, make phone calls, obtain basic hygiene, receive basic medicines, find a caring ear, and have a safe place to sleep with a roof over their heads. Volunteers can schedule opportunities to feed the homeless, sort donations, or organize donation and fundraising drives. For those willing to make longer-term commitments, additional opportunities to volunteer and assist with daily services at Andre House may be available - inquire with the volunteer coordinator. < [] >


 * __Arizona Community Action Association__** is a statewide association that works with Community Action Agencies to address poverty across Arizona. Arizona spends less than any other state on health and human services, while 14.2% of families and 1 in 5 children live in poverty. Minimum wage jobs pay $14,000 a year, below the poverty line for a family of three ($16,000). ACAA develops strategies and policies with a network of almost 300 agencies and individuals to fill the need and provide a hand up, including case management and emergency assistance for food, utilities, and rent, eviction prevention, emergency shelter, financial assistance, resources, referrals and employment. It advocates to promote policies that enhance the well-being and opportunity for self-sufficiency for the poor and all Arizonans. < [] >


 * __Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education__** is an association created by the State Bar of Arizona with the mission of "promoting access to justice for all Arizonans." The Foundation sponsors opportunities for children to learn about law and civic responsibility, and provides access to legal services at reduced rates or for free to those in need. Members also take part in outreach and educational projects for teachers, administrators and resource officers in hopes of 'leveling the playing field' with regards to understanding the law and public policy. < [] >


 * __Arizona Quest for Kids__** prepares students, who would not otherwise have had the opportunity, for success in higher education. AQK provides mentoring, enrichment and college guidance so that children will embrace the idea and actuality of post-secondary education and beyond. Students begin the program in the fifth grade and are guided through the twelfth grade. Caring volunteer mentors commit to at least one academic year of listening to, supporting and encouraging their mentee to reach their dreams and pursue their educational potential. <[]>


 * __Arizonans for Children__** helps abused, neglected and abandoned children in foster care. AFC recognizes that although children are safer for having been removed from dangerous home situations, the foster system does not guarantee a "normal childhood." The agency offers programs that try to provide stability and comfort to children in protective custody to alleviate the hardships that they experience. <[]>


 * __Association of Arizona Food Banks__** is an organization that supports 5 member regional food banks and a network of almost 1700 food pantries in their work. The association was instrumental in the setup of the statewide food gleaning project that rescues and redistributes food that would otherwise go to waste, and continues to coordinate these efforts with food production corporations, farms, and the Arizona Department of Agriculture. It also provides outreach, education and advocacy regarding hunger. < [] >


 * __Big Brothers Big Sisters__** is the nation's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona makes careful and monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children aged 6-18 ("Littles") across the country. Bigs develop deep and meaningful relationships with their Littles that have direct, lasting impacts on their lives. These positive relationships, and the partnerships between the organization, volunteers, parents/guardians and others in the community, help kids become more confident about school, have better relationships with their families, become significantly less likely to use drugs or alcohol, and become less than half as likely to miss school. <[|http://www.helparizonayouth.org]>


 * __Boys Hope Girls Hope__** operates non-institutional, family-like homes for academically capable and motivated children from troubled families. Boys Hope Girls Hope gives their child scholars the opportunity and impetus to succeed by giving them a stable home life, involving their parents as a committed part of their upbringing, and matching them with schools that best meet their intellectual, social and emotional needs. Scholars are given the tools to succeed academically at the secondary level before proceeding to college, where Boys Hope Girls Hope alumni continue to be supported financially, academically and emotionally. < [] > < [] >


 * __Bridging AZ Furniture Bank__** provides basic household furniture and household goods to economically disadvantaged individuals and families in the community. Bridging AZ is the only furniture bank in Arizona and was initially founded to help provide a resource for people transitioning out of shelters to obtain the basic household goods for their new homes. It now serves individuals from over 100 social service agencies that work to provide assistance with domestic violence, homelessness, life skills, job training and more. < [] >


 * __CASS Dental Clinic for the Homeless__** offers free comprehensive dental care for the homeless. CASS Dental Clinic is entirely funded by donations and run by selfless volunteer dental professionals and laboratories to provide sorely needed dental work to a tremendously underserved community. < [] >

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 * __Central Arizona Shelter Services__** is a major local shelter and support service for the homeless. CASS utilizes a wide variety of programs to engage and assist, including education and employment resources, dental and childcare services, outreach efforts and case management staff to help individuals and families develop and follow through with plans to get back on their feet and out of homelessness. Its shelters provide food, water, a safe place to sleep, and hygiene basics. A dedicated short-term shelter for families ensures children are enrolled in school as parents work towards self-sufficiency and provides pre-school programs, an infant nursery and after-school activities. CASS has been active in Phoenix for over 25 years and currently shelters nearly 1000 people each night, and over 10,000 individuals annually.


 * __Chicanos Por La Causa__** is a statewide community development corporation initially founded to address the economic and social problems endemic to the barrios of South Central Phoenix. In the forty years since CPLC's founding, the scope of the corporation's work has widened to provide assistance to disadvantaged people without regard to ethnic origin. CPLC currently addresses the needs of its constituents in four areas: Social Services, Community Development, Economic Development, and Education. < [] >


 * __Childhelp__** is a national organization headquartered in Scottsdale that is dedicated towards helping victims of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp operates a trans-national 24-hour child abuse hotline that takes calls from throughout the U.S., Canada, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam. Childhelp focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment and outreach. Programs and services include residential treatment villages, advocacy centers, group homes, therapeutic foster care, and abuse prevention, education and training. Volunteers in Arizona have varied opportunities to pitch in, from helping prepare apartments for new families to serving as playroom volunteers with younger children. <[]>


 * __Communities in Schools Arizona__** connects community resources and schools to help young people learn, stay in school and succeed in life. Schools have ever-more limited time and resources available to teach students to be active learners and address the factors that can cause a student to disengage from and eventually drop out of school. Communities in Schools works with school districts to fill the gap by placing a caring and talented adult in a school who can help provide needed community resources. < [] >


 * __Community Information & Referral (AZ 2-1-1)__** is a corporation focused on being the link between individuals in need of help and organizations that will provide that help. Community Information and Referral maintains a database of community agencies and publishes a widely used directory of human services and self-help groups. It also operates a free and confidential 24 hour helpline that serves all of Arizona each and every day, providing callers with referrals to appropriate community agencies. <[]>


 * __Feed My Starving Children__** is a faith-based ministry based in Minnesota that focuses on providing food aid internationally. A satellite site exists in Tempe that packs food mixtures that are designed to be nutritious, safe to store and transport world-wide, culturally acceptable and simple to make with boiling water. Its activities are intended to be long-term continuing support for partner agencies active around the world rather than one-time food shipments. < [|http://www.fmsc.org] >

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 * __Fresh Start Women's Foundation__** is an Arizona-based organization focused on providing resources, education and training to help women improve their lives. The Fresh Start Women's Resource Center works with women age 18 and older, providing information, resources and help in achieving emotional and economic self-sufficiency. Programs at the Center include mentoring, career training, self-esteem services, family law support, a free medical clinic to those who qualify, child care while women are at the center working towards their goals and a variety of personal development workshops and seminars.


 * __Golden Gate Community Center__** is a center originally founded in the 1930s that serving the community at large (seniors, adults, youth and children) with minimal or no-fee programs. Golden Gate provides affordable recreation, personal development, education and preventative health services as well as community revitalization programs. Volunteers may commit to long-term volunteerism with a defined role or may work in teams to complete one-time projects. Opportunities include roles from direct care for clients to fundraising to administrative work to child care and everything in between. Companies also volunteer to conduct in-house group drives to provide materials and items for children and families in the AZ foster care system. < [] >


 * __International Rescue Committee__** is an international organization that responds to the world's greatest humanitarian crises. Its mission is to restore safety, dignity and hope to those uprooted from their homes and help them endure and rebuild their lives. Within 72 hours of an emergency, the IRC arrives with urgently needed supplies and skilled responders who protect people caught in chaos and commit to stay as long as they are needed. Thousands of refugees are invited by the U.S. government to seek safety and freedom each year. Regional offices of the IRC, including the office in Phoenix, help refugees rebuild their lives and adjust to their new lives in this country. They help ensure that newly arrived refugees are greeted with a furnished home, nutritious food to eat, and the resources and support to learn a new language, a new culture and skills to obtain fulfilling employment.< [] > < [] >


 * __Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest__** is a faith based social and community service organization that operates programs throughout Arizona and the Southwest. LSS-SW focuses on five major areas of service: Aging and Disability Services, Community Development, Refugee and Immigration Services, Disaster Services, and Behavioral Health Services. Its volunteers and employees work to promote the dignity, independence and quality of life for aging individuals and their families, provide free educational assistance to elementary and middle school students in service areas, provide temporary housing and emergency food assistance for those in need, help refugees and asylees establish new lives in Arizona, and much much more. < [] >


 * __Maggie's Place__** provides hospitality and services to expectant mothers that are either alone or living on the streets. The agency helps women meet their immediate physical and emotional needs, and connects them with resources and agencies for prenatal care, education, health insurance, and other assistance to help them meet their long-term goals. < [] >


 * __National Society for American Indian Elderly__** is an organization dedicated towards improving the ability of Native American, Alaska Native and Pacific American elders to have access to services that will meet their needs while honoring their cultural traditions. This demographic is among the most challenged and least served in the nation, with some of the highest rates of diabetes, obesity and poverty exacerbated by geographic isolation and insufficient resources. NSAIE works to make nutritional and emotional support and community health services available to isolated elders through programs on reservations and in tribal communities. It also operates a program to preserve the traditional knowledge of elders and create a lasting legacy of their contribution to society. < [] >


 * __Native American Connections__** is an Arizona community organization that provides behavioral health, community development and affordable housing services to the Native American community in a culturally appropriate manner. It offers a continuum of services to help a broad range of people, from addiction recovery to helping the homeless along the path to financial independence and homeownership. Although NAC's core focus has been on the Native community and it operates with a Native cultural ethos, its programs seek to help people of all cultures. Its HomeBase Youth Services outreach group goes out into the streets nightly to bring meals, blankets and offer assistance to homeless youth. < [] >, <[]>


 * __A New Leaf__** is a Valley-wide comprehensive human service agency that provides support, shelter and services for the homeless, domestic violence victims and the underprivileged. It offers counseling and services for children, youth and families as well as support to children in foster care. They have a particular emphasis on troubled youth, and operate a juvenile detention alternative program as well as a spectrum of programs to address adolescent sexual maladaptive behaviors. < [] >‍


 * __Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps__** is a partnership between the Notre Dame Mission Volunteer Program, a faith-based organization focused on promoting literacy and education to help the economically disadvantaged, and AmeriCorps, a federally-funded service program often referred to as the "domestic Peace Corps". Notre Dame-AmeriCorps views education as the fundamental tool in the struggle for human dignity, self-esteem, and self-determination. Volunteers from the community and from college campuses across the nation reach out across barriers of culture and class to build community and provide people with holistic educational programs that teach them the skills to help themselves. < [] > < [] >


 * __Open Inn__** provides shelter and crisis intervention services for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth and their families. The agency responds to the needs of youth by providing street outreach, temporary and transitional shelter, case management and life-skills training. Open Inn is active in seven of Arizona's fifteen counties. < [] >


 * __Paz de Cristo__** is a East Valley faith and community-based organization that feeds the homeless and working poor with daily meal service and preparation of food boxes for distribution bi-weekly. It also provides job training resources and community referrals for housing/medical care. < [] >


 * __Phoenix Rescue Mission__** is a faith-based family of people "who care about those who are less fortunate - and are willing to roll up their sleeves to help." The Mission works with the homeless, poor and disenfranchised to get them back on their feet. Phoenix Rescue Mission offers three meals a day, showers, clean clothes, a 24 hour walk-in center, career education, referrals, emergency shelter services for the homeless, men's addiction recovery programs, and a center for women and children to help break the cycle of addiction, abuse, trauma and homelessness that they often face. < [] >


 * __Rebuilding Together__** is a leading national organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. Its network of over 200 affiliates provide free rehabilitation and critical home repairs to low-income Americans. It believes everyone should have a safe and healthy home and works with families to keep them from having to make the choice between home repairs or vital basic necessities, the at-risk elderly to allow them to stay within their own homes as long as possible, those affected by disasters to rebuild as a community, and veterans with disabilities and their families to ensure they have a safe and accessible home to live in. < [] >


 * __Ronald McDonald House Charities__** are independent affiliated charities that provide temporary 'home-away-from-homes' to families that must travel to receive medical care for their children. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix provides low-cost housing to families that travel to obtain medical care in the Phoenix area, and also awards scholarships to students from communities who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. Volunteers provide comfort and support to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House that are coping with trying times. < [] >


 * __The Salvation Army__** is a faith-based international movement that both offers opportunities for worship and community services. Local social services include relief from the unrelenting Arizona heat, holiday gift and food drives, youth programs for at-risk kids, crisis shelters for those facing homelessness or domestic violence, emergency assistance for those facing a temporary crisis such as the loss of a job, and many more efforts. Volunteers often staff hydration stations throughout the Valley and pack boxes of food for those in need. < [] >


 * __Save the Family__** is a local group dedicated towards empowering families to overcome and conquer family homelessness. Save the Family provides housing and programs to help homeless families become self-sufficient, including education classes on parenting, financial skills, career development, tutoring, education and support for domestic violence, and partnerships to provide affordable housing for families ready to graduate from Save the Family's primary housing program. Volunteers form an integral part of Save the Family's workforce, and provide legal, medical and dental support, mentoring and tutoring support in the classroom, rehabilitation of housing units, as well as management and operation of Save the Family's thrift store. < [] >


 * __Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS)__** provides work centers, day programs and employment training and opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, traumatic brain injuries and more. Their managed work center produces quality product for businesses and helps individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve economic independence. < [] >


 * __Society of St. Vincent de Paul__** is an international faith organization offering aid to the poor. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix offers programs including free medical and dental care to low income working families unable to afford insurance coverage, efforts to overcome and prevent homelessness, assistance for the recently incarcerated, food kitchens, youth mentoring and college scholarships. Its Voice of the Poor program is an advocacy arm that researches public policies and issues in order to make its voice heard on behalf of the poor. < [] >


 * __Sojourner Center__** provides shelter and support services to thousands of individuals affected by domestic violence. Sojourner Center is the nation's largest domestic violence shelter and advocates tirelessly for the victims of domestic violence. Volunteer "Vanguards" aid Sojourner Center through community education, providing outreach, working directly with clients, and supporting staff in daily operations. < [] >


 * __Stand Up for Kids__** is a national organization with the sole goal of helping homeless and street kids in cities across America. The organization works towards ending the cycle of youth homelessness by intervening in the lives of at-risk youth age 24 and younger. Volunteers go out to the streets to find, stabilize and otherwise help street kids and homeless youth get the help that they need and are willing to accept. < [] >


 * __Sunshine Acres Children's Home__** is a faith-based children's home that admits children between the ages of 5-14 from troubled families experiencing circumstances which prevent them from caring for their child. Once admitted, children may stay with Sunshine Acres as long as needed, even through to the college years of early adulthood. Children are brought up in long-term, loving family environments and receive an education in a learning environment that best suits their needs. Many children attend the public campuses of the Mesa Public Schools system, but others are served through the Sunshine Acres School, which is able to focus individual attention on students' needs through volunteer assistance that allows Sunshine Acres to maintain a teacher:student ratio of 1:4. Sunshine Acres works to create a pathway for educational success that children can follow even when they leave the home. < [] >


 * __Tzu Chi Foundation__** works to make a difference in both disasters and day-to-day life. The faith based Tzu Chi (meaning "Compassion and Relief") Foundation provides relief after disasters by providing emergency funds and relief supplies directly into the hands of survivors. The Foundation operates community services such as family programs, services to the homeless, visits to senior homes, medical and dental care, recycling efforts, and reading to children. In the Phoenix area, the Tzu Chi Service Center provides regular meal service and distributes clothes or blankets for the homeless. < [] >


 * __UMOM New Day Centers__** is the largest homeless shelter for families in Arizona and provides a full spectrum of help to bridge families from homelessness towards independence and self-sufficiency. UMOM works to provide families with the skills, medical care, child care, and education to rebuild their lives and succeed when they leave.. < [] >

<[]> <[]>
 * __United Way Worldwide__** works "to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good." The Valley of the Sun United Way is the largest nonprofit funder of health and human services in Maricopa County, investing upwards of $60 million per year in the community. These funds are invested in three major areas of focus: Ensuring Children and Youth Succeed, Ending Hunger and Homelessness, and Increasing the Financial Stability of Individuals and Families. The United Way works with many partner agencies to meet a broad spectrum of needs.


 * __Unlimited Potential AZ__** is a grassroots organization that provides educational opportunities to adult women, ages 21-60, from low-income Hispanic communities in South Phoenix. Offerings include programs in English, literacy, GED, parenting, early childhood development, family activities, social services and advocacy, which are all offered free of charge. Bilingual education and support groups teach language, literacy and life skills to these women, most of whom have less than 9 years of formal schooling and many of whom have less than 6 years. The staff also provides referrals and assistance for women in need of additional support to overcome barriers to education, which may include medical or dental problems, domestic abuse or housing needs. < [] >


 * __Upward Foundation__** is an Arizona organization licensed and certified by the Arizona Departments of Education, Health Services, and Economic Security and the Division of Developmental Disabilities that is dedicated towards providing special education and childcare for medically fragile children or children with developmental disabilities. < [] >


 * __Waste Not Arizona__** is a logistical organization that moves excess perishable foods from food purveyors (including restaurants, caterers, markets and suppliers) and delivers those foods within the same day to a network of partner agencies that feed the hungry. Waste Not AZ is active 6 days per week moving an average of 6000 pounds of food daily to ensure that it is put to use. < [] >


 * __Welcome To America Project__** is a local organization that furnishes the apartments of newly admitted refugee families that have been resettled to the Phoenix area by the United Nations. WTAP obtains high quality furniture and household items from Phoenix area donations and delivers them to arriving refugee families every Saturday throughout the year as a means of help, empathy and community. < [] >


 * __WHEAT (World Hunger Education, Advocacy and Training)__** is a faith-based, ecumenical organization formed to address the root causes of hunger and act as a source and resource for programs and resources that combat hunger. Activities of WHEAT include education regarding the causes of hunger, empowering individuals to become self-sustaining, advocating for public policies to address the causes of hunger, and motivating people to work with local anti-hunger activities. WHEAT has been active for over thirty years on an issue that we would now term sustainability - "Live simply so that others may simply live". <[]>

14. How can we achieve effective governance?
 * __The Collaboration for a New Century__** is an organization founded in 1999 to address basic needs for the Valley's poor: affordable housing, a living wage, access to healthcare coverage, and safe environments for children. Leaders in business, faith, philanthropy and government from across the Valley came together to contribute their skills and strengths to develop, research and implement the most effective interventions. Because of the scale and scope of the Collaboration, it is able to attract involvement and investment and engage a broad spectrum of the community to maximize its impact. The members of the Collaboration mentor at-risk youth, build affordable homes, feed the hungry, provide discounted access to medicine, assist the most effective service agencies and develop leaders committed to social responsibility. < [] >

**__Leadership Foundations__** is an umbrella organization originally founded by a faith community in Philadelphia in 1978 to respond to issues associated with the increasing urbanization of society: geography without community, increasing activity with inadequate systems, a growing disparity between the rich and poor, and denominationalism without ecumenism. The Philadelphia Leadership Foundation brought together people and resources from across the church and community and drew upon the strengths of various sectors of society to meet the city's needs, serve at-risk youth, combat drug addiction, extend healthcare, and develop needed housing. The example of PLF in creating an alliance of dedicated communities to combat local problems has spread to over 30 cities around the world. Leadership Foundations actively supports its member organizations and prepares members to guide the development of new Foundations. Here in Phoenix, the Leadership Foundations affiliate is The Collaboration for a New Century. < [] >

State Level Governance:


 * __Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing__** - ACDHH was established to increase the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing residents. It serves as a statewide information referral center for issues related to people with hearing loss, and also licenses all sign language interpreters in the State of Arizona. < [] >


 * __Arizona Corporation Commission__** - The Arizona Corporation Commission is a 7-member body of elected Commissioners that has Constitutional authority to regulate public utilities, facilitate the incorporation of businesses and organizations, regulate securities and oversee railroad and pipeline safety. The Arizona Constitution grants the Commissioners the power to act in an Executive capacity, adopt rules and regulations in a Legislative capacity, and sit as a body to decide disputes and contested matters in a Judicial capacity. The Commission has jurisdiction over the quality of service and rates charged by public service utilities. By State law, utilities are regulated monopolies and permitted the opportunity to make a fair and reasonable return on their investments. "Fair and reasonable" has been and always will be open to debate in rate hearings, but generally the Commission attempts to balance customer's interest in affordable, reliable service with the utility's interest in earning a fair profit. Regulated utilities include electric, gas, sewer, water and various telecommunications services. < [] >


 * __Arizona Department of Agriculture__** - The Arizona Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating and supporting Arizona agriculture in a way that encourages farming, ranching and agribusiness while protecting consumers and natural resources. To meet its statutory responsibilities, the Department of Agriculture operates three main divisions and a few associated laboratories and programs.< [] > < [] >
 * __Agricultural Consultation & Training__** - The Agricultural Consultation and Training program helps members of the agricultural community in complying with state and federal regulations, including worker protection safety and training requirements, animal waste water management regulations, nutrient management planning and air quality regulations using a non-enforcement approach. It offers a formal means for members of the community to ask for assistance in compliance without regulatory repercussions. The program also administers a grantmaking program and oversees the administration of the Agricultural Commodity Councils, Agricultural Employment Relations Board and the Arizona Agricultural Protection Commission. < [] >
 * __Animal Services Division__** - The Animal Services Division works to protect and improve the health and quality of Arizona animals and animal products by identifying, diagnosing, and preventing animal diseases, protecting humans from contagious diseases, and responding to emergencies. The division also enforces laws concerning the movement, sale, import, transport and processing of livestock. The Animal Services Division is responsible for conducting food quality and safety inspections of milk and meat products that are produced and processed in Arizona, as well as egg and egg products which are produced in or imported to Arizona. The Division encompasses the establishment of brands, the State Veterinarian, and the enforcement of Animal Cruelty laws. < [] >
 * __Citrus, Fruit & Vegetable Standardization & Fresh Produce Grade Inspection__** - The Standardization and Inspection program develops, adopts and enforces uniform standards to protect against the trade and sale of substandard produce. Its inspections review several areas, including the quality, condition, size, maturity and labeling of produce. The Standardization and Inspection program enforces U.S. import requirements and marketing order restrictions at Arizona’s border with Mexico. It performs produce inspections at shipping points and end markets in cooperation with USDA. The program supports the Statewide Gleaning Project in harvesting surplus crops for the hungry. < [] >
 * __Environmental Services Division__** - The Environmental Services Division is responsible for ensuring consumers are protected through feed, fertilizer, pesticide and seed label inspections, sampling, registration and licensing to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The division enforces pesticide use regulations to ensure products are applied according to label directions, established buffer zones are adhered to, and environmental and human concerns are protected. It also conducts training, testing and certification of pesticide applicators, pest control advisors and pesticide safety trainers. The Division enforces state and federal agricultural safety regulations and conducts criminal investigations of native plant and livestock law violations through the Office of Special Investigations. When needed, ESD provides specialized enforcement and response support to other divisions within the department. < [] >
 * __Plant Services Division__** The Plant Services Division is responsible for protecting the environment from the entry and spread of invasive species, plant pests, diseases and noxious weeds. The Division carries out and enforces state and federal quarantine regulations to ensure agricultural, environmental and public concerns are protected. It conducts inspections throughout the state to enforce regulations on the importation, export and movement of plant materials. Provides export certification inspections for the international and domestic shipment of Arizona agricultural commodities. Conducts early detection surveys for the presence of exotic plant pests and diseases of concern to Arizona agriculture and its public in order to offer the best chance at successful eradication. <[]>
 * __State Agricultural Laboratory__** - The State Agricultural Laboratory provides scientific testing and analytical support to the various regulatory divisions of the Department, and as required by law. The laboratory tests agricultural products for evidence of disease and contamination, checks for pesticide residues, identifies harmful or invasive pests, and helps ensure product quality for consumers. <[]>


 * __Arizona Department of Economic Security__** - DES works towards the vision that every child, adult and family in the State of Arizona will be safe and economically secure. It provides human services and focuses on strengthening individuals and families, increasing self-sufficiency and developing the capacity of communities. DES provides basic services, oversees child and family services, disability services and senior services, operates unemployment and related areas. < [] >


 * __Arizona Department of Environmental Quality__** - ADEQ was established by the Arizona Legislature in response to growing concerns about groundwater quality. It now administers Air Quality, Water Quality and Waste Programs to carry out its core responsibilities. ADEQ is responsible for Pollution Control, Management and Assessment, Compliance Management, Cleanups, Education Outreach and Financial Assistance, and Policy Development. ADEQ issues permits, approvals and certifications to ensure buildings are legally constructed and operated and that emissions or discharges are within legal health standards. It collects and tests water, air and soil samples to monitor for contaminants and determine trends to guide decisions. It offers guidance and incentives to reduce waste, takes citizen complaints and has the power to enforce environmental laws. ADEQ investigates and oversees the cleanup of environmental contamination, and deploys emergency responders to contain and clean up hazardous material releases. ADEQ works to educate the public to keep them informed, and writes rules and policies to consistently implement the broad responsibilities assigned to it by legislation. < [] >


 * __Arizona Department of Health Services__** - The Department of Health Services is the lead governmental agency with oversight over health services. The Department promotes healthful habits, controls epidemics, ensures safe food and water, licenses and monitors healthcare facilities such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and child care centers, and provides behavioral health services. In many ways, the Department is with Arizona residents "from birth until death". Its Office of Vital Records certifies those events as well.< [] >
 * __Division of Behavioral Health Services__** - The Division of Behavioral Health Services coordinates, plans, administers, regulates and monitors the state public behavioral health system. Community based organizations called Regional Behavioral Health Authorities provide a full range of services throughout the state, including prevention programs for adults and children, as well as a full continuum of services for adults with substance abuse and general mental health disorders, adults with serious mental illness, and children with serious emotional disturbances. < [] >
 * __Division of Licensing Services__** - The Division of Licensing Services is responsible for protecting the health and safety of Arizonans by providing information, establishing standards, licensing and regulating health and child care services. The Division licenses care facilities such as medical facilities, nursing homes, group homes, assisted living communities, child care providers and behavioral health centers. An Office of Special Licensing oversees the licensure of hearing-aid dispensers, midwives, audiologists and speech-language pathologists. < [] >
 * __Division of Public Health Services__** - The Division of Public Health Services is charged with protecting the public's health through prevention and control of disease and disability. The Division monitors the spread of disease, certifies and registers paramedics and ambulance services, operates smoking cessation programs, runs HIV prevention and AIDS drug assistance programs, provides WIC, a federally funded food assistance program for Women, Infants and Children, and performs a vast amount of work to educate the public and keep us from harming ourselves and our loved ones through ignorance. <[]>


 * __Arizona Department of Transportation__** - ADOT is responsible for planning, building and operating a complex system of highways that serves one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. It also builds and maintains bridges throughout the state and operates the Grand Canyon Airport. As part of its work, ADOT researches and develops means of improving air quality by reducing traffic congestion. It explores modern means of traffic control to enhance safety and reduce congestion in the context of the people it serves. < [] >


 * __Arizona Department of Water Resources__** - The Arizona Department of Water Resources was created to ensure dependable long-term water supplies for Arizona's growing communities. The Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources has legal power over the general supervision, control, appropriation and distribution of surface and groundwaters, except when this power is specifically assigned to a special court-appointed officer in accordance with a ruling or decree. To meet these statutory responsibilities, ADWR administers state water laws (except those relating to water quality), studies ways of meeting future water demands, and develops public policies to encourage conservation and ensure fair distribution of our limited water resources. ADWR develops long-term management plans with conservation goals for water-use sectors. It requires developers of new subdivisions in Active Management Areas (regions where groundwater depletion is happening most rapidly) to show that enough supplies of adequate-quality water will be physically, continuously and legally available for 100 years in addition to other requirements before permitting development. ADWR issues authorization for groups to pump groundwater and is responsible for adjudicating disputes between groups with regards to water rights. ADWR oversees the use of surface and groundwater resources that fall within the state's jurisdiction, and has the responsibility of negotiating with outside political entities to protect Arizona's water supply. < [] >


 * __Arizona Geological Survey__** - The AZGS is the primary source of information regarding the geology and mineral resources of the state, and informs, advises and assists the public, government agencies and industry in understanding and wisely developing and using the mineral resources of the state. AZGS primarily acts in an advisory, informational and educational capacity. However, AZGS has statutory responsibility to maintain a repository of rock cuttings, information logs and other data associated with drilling for oil, gas, helium or geothermal resources within the state of Arizona. < [] >


 * __Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)__** - AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid agency, offering health care services to Arizona residents that meet certain income and other requirements. < [] >


 * __Arizona Oil and Gas Conservation Commission__** - AZOGCC is a panel of 6 members charged with statutory responsibility to regulate the drilling for and production of oil, gas, helium, carbon dioxide and geothermal resources in Arizona. Five of its members are appointed by the Governor, and the sixth ex-officio member is the State Land Commissioner. The Commission is responsible for reviewing and issuing drilling permits, inspecting wells for compliance, monitoring drilling activities, compiling production statistics, and providing information to the exploration and development communities as well as the public. < [] >


 * __Arizona Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO)__** - An office established by the Arizona State Legislature to represent the interests of residential utility ratepayers in all utility rate-related proceedings involving public service companies before the Arizona Corporation Commission. Because public utilities have historically had the exclusive right to provide services within their designated area, regulation and public hearings are used to ensure reasonable costs for services provided. RUCO represents the interests of Arizona's residents during these proceedings. RUCO performs a preliminary review on all proposed rate increases that go before ACC, regardless of the size of increase. As a matter of policy, RUCO always intervenes and takes part in cases regarding rate increase proposals by Arizona's largest public utility companies. < [] >


 * __Arizona State Forestry Division__** - The Forestry Division is responsible for the management and reduction of wildfire risk to Arizona's people, communities and wildland areas as well as cooperative forestry programs on land outside of municipal jurisdictions.< [] >


 * __Arizona State Game and Fish Department__** - The mission of the Game and Fish Department is to conserve, enhance and restore Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Arizona State Game and Fish operates with the North American Model of Conservation, which acknowledges the critical role in conservation that sportsmen play. Self-imposed excise taxes on hunting and fishing by sportsmen provide the primary source of funding for conservation efforts across the nation, and it is generally accepted that public development of sporting regulations that are informed by science are among the best means of maintaining habitats and biodiversity. The number of annual hunting and fishing permits per species are determined by science-based population models to maintain sustainable populations and the revenue generated by their sale funds conservation efforts within the state. As in many states, general taxpayers do not pay for wildlife conservation, and this approach provides most of the money available for conservation. < [] >


 * __Arizona State Land Department__** - The State Land Department is in charge of managing State Trust lands and resources to maximize return for Trust beneficiaries but in keeping with stewardship, conservation and economic management principles to benefit present and future residents of the state. The State Trust benefits 13 public beneficiaries, including the Common Schools (K-12), which own 87% of the land within the Trust and receive approximately 90% of the revenue generated by Trust lands. Trust lands are distinguished from Park lands and wilderness lands, which are managed by different agencies and are put to different uses. The Department straddles the duties of funding critical services for current state residents while managing conservation and biodiversity to provide these resources for future generations. < [] >


 * __Arizona State Parks__** - Arizona State Parks has a stated mission of managing and conserving natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people. The agency oversees over two dozen parks across the state with cultural, historical or natural value and maintains and conserves them for the enjoyment of present and future generations. < [] >


 * __Arizona Water Banking Authority__** - The Water Banking Authority was established to increase the utilization of Arizona's entitlement to Colorado River water and develop long-term storage credits for the state. AWis in charge of storing or 'banking' unused portions of Arizona's share of Colorado River water to be used in times of shortage. Unused water is pumped directly into existing aquifers - "direct recharge" - or is used in irrigation instead of newly pumped groundwater - "indirect recharge". Agreements between users of the Colorado River water allow users to accumulate 'credits' that can be redeemed when backup water supplies are necessary. < [] >


 * __Arizona Water Protection Fund__** - The Arizona Water Protection Fund is a competitive State grant program that provides annual funding for projects that maintain, enhance and restore rivers, streams and "riparian habitats," ecosystems that exist at the boundary of land and flowing water sources. < [] >


 * __Water Infrastructure and Finance Authority of Arizona__** - WIFA is an independent State Agency authorized to finance the construction, rehabilitation or improvement of drinking water, wastewater, wastewater reclamation, and other water quality facilities or projects. It finances these improvements by offering below-market rates on loans for eligible project costs. < [] >

Maricopa County Governance:


 * __Flood Control District of Maricopa County__** - The Flood Control District of Maricopa County was created to reduce the risk of injury, loss of life and property damage from flooding in the County. Although residents rarely consider the risk, the area's Sonoran Desert environment is particularly prone to flooding, with unique soil characteristics and summer and winter rainy seasons that can swiftly turn natural dry waterways and channels into raging rivers capable of significant overland flooding. Such events plagued the county early in its history, but were gradually planned for and controlled by the Flood Control District. The incredible growth of the County population in the 1990s, however, has forced the District to shift its focus away from damming and diverting flood paths. Instead, the Department now focuses toward educating and informing residents and builders about flood hazards areas as well as regulating development projects capable of impacting flood plains. < [] >


 * __Housing Authority of Maricopa County__** - The Housing Authority of Maricopa County is granted powers and responsibilities by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to provide affordable housing for residents of the county. It owns and manages 790 housing units in 16 communities throughout the county, generally in smaller cities and unincorporated areas of the county that lack their own city-level Housing Authority. It also operates rent-assistance and family self-sufficiency programs, and works closely with many other governmental agencies as well as the broader public and private sectors to meet affordable living needs within the county. < [] >


 * __Maricopa County Air Quality Department__** - The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency responsible for ensuring that the standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act are achieved. < [] >
 * __Division of Air Monitoring__**- The Division of Air Monitoring is responsible for measuring, reporting and analyzing levels of ozone, particulate matter and carbon monoxide at sites throughout the country so that the public has an accurate and timely information about air quality. <[]>
 * __Division of Air Quality Compliance__** - The Division of Air Quality Compliance is responsible for ensuring that facilities comply with regulations and permit conditions. It inspects stationary sources of emissions, investigates complaints and can recommend legal action against violators. <[]>
 * __Division of Dust Compliance__** - The Division of Dust Compliance is responsible for protecting the public from airborne particulate matter. Dust is the largest contributors to the County's non-attainment of Clean Air Act standards, and the Division issues permits for activities such as construction, building demolition, and open burns to ensure that measures are in place to control the release of dust. <[]>
 * __Division of Enforcement__**- The Division of Enforcement takes over when action is taken against violators of air quality regulations. It has the authority to impose penalties on offending companies, recover economic benefits derived from their violations, and deter companies from further violation. <[]>
 * __Division of Permit Engineering__**- The Division of Permit Engineering reviews applications for certain classes of permits to build, install or operate equipment which emits or controls the emissions of air contaminants.<[]>
 * __Division of Planning and Analysis__** - The Division of Planning and Analysis drafts and finalizes air pollution control rules and compiles emissions inventories. Air pollution control rules and ordinances are created and revised to ensure compliance with Clean Air Act standards, and emissions inventories are a comprehensive listing of air pollutant emissions and sources that assist in the understanding of and prevention of air pollution.<[]>
 * __Division of Trip Reduction__**- Arizona has some of the most polluted air in the country, impacting the public health and resulting in one of the highest rates of chronic obstructive lung disease in the nation. The Division of Trip Reduction was created by court order in 1988 after the Center for Law and Public Policy successfully sued Maricopa County and the State of Arizona for failure to meet Ambient Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide. Its current duties are to operate programs to lower the number of single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips at schools and employers within Maricopa County that have more than 50 driving-age students or employees to a 60% SOV travel rate. The County has since met standards for carbon monoxide, but it continues to exceed standards for ozone and dust in the air, so the work of the Division of Trip Reduction continues. <[]>
 * __Office of the Ombudsman__** - The Office of the Ombudsman provides the public, including large and small businesses, trade associations, public interest groups and individual community members with information regarding rules, regulations, enforcement and solutions to air quality compliance challenges. Its duties are to act as an impartial and unbiased party during disputes in order to assist in producing fair, equitable and effective resolutions.<[]>


 * __Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services__** - The Department of Environmental Services is responsible for preventing and removing environmental health risks. Among other duties, members of the Environmental Services Department are in the field every day making sure that water supplies throughout the county are safe to drink, restaurants are serving food that is safe to eat, and that diseases and health risks associated with known vectors are minimized. < [] >
 * __Division of Business Operations__** - The Business Operations Division provides the administrative support for the Department. It handles the issuance of licenses, financial transactions, and Public Records Requests, among other duties. < [] >
 * __Division of Environmental Health Services__** - The Division of Environmental Health Services handles the duties that many people think of when they hear "public health". EHS inspects and approves the issuance of permits to food establishments, public accomodations, school grounds and pet shops. It reviews and approves construction plans for all of these establishments except for mobile home parks. It also conducts food service worker training and testing, and responds to public complaints about certain public health issues. < [] >
 * __Division of Quality and Compliance__** - The Division of Quality and Compliance handles the intake of Environmental Code complaints, the enforcement of health code regulations, the investigation of communicable diseases, and training of Department staff, among other operational duties. < [] >
 * __Division of Water and Waste Management__** - The Division of Water and Waste Management protects the health of County residents and the environment by monitoring and regulating the water supply, disposal and reuse of wastewater, waste collection and transport, public or semi-public swimming pools, and other water-related activities. < [] >
 * __Division of Vector Control__** - The Division of Vector Control protects the public by responding to citizen complaints of mosquitoes, flies and non-native rodents. Its inspectors identify routing breeding sites for these disease carriers and apply appropriate treatments, and monitor their areas for potential new breeding grounds. The Division works closely with State officials to monitor and test mosquito samples for diseases and viruses. The Division also provides outreach to educate the public on means of preventing mosquito breeding on their property, and offers mosquito eating fish free of charge for members of the public to stock permanent waters on their property. < [] >


 * __Maricopa County Department of Human Services__** - The Department of Human Services acts to provide education, employment, shelter and basic needs services to individuals, families and communities so that they can have the opportunity to advance their economic, social and physical well being. Their work is aimed at creating the opportunity for all people to attain economic self-sufficiency, create a sustainable living environment, and enjoy a good quality of life. < [] >
 * __Community Services Division__** - The Community Services Division is one of ten Community Action Agencies created in Arizona by the federal government to combat poverty. The ten CAA's, including seven governmental agencies and three private non-profits, work together to alleviate poverty and empower low-income communities. They are coordinated through a Community Action Board known as the Maricopa County Community Services Commission made up of members of the public and private sectors and representatives of the low-income population. The Commission works to assess and identify local needs and the causes and conditions of poverty within its jurisdiction in hopes of reducing poverty and the conditions associated with it. The Community Services Division serves all of Maricopa County except for the Cities of Phoenix and Mesa, which have their own CAA's with responsibility for those areas. The CAA's are all part of the nationwide Community Services Network, comprised of approximately 1,140 local, private, non-profit and public agencies working to address poverty and empower low-income communities across the United States. < [] >
 * __Division of Community Development__**- The Division of Community Development operates major grant programs funded by the federal government to create stronger communities, create affordable housing, and stimulate local economies. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program develops viable communities that provide decent, safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities primarily for persons of low and moderate income. CDBG community development activities funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) benefit low and moderate income persons, combat slum and blight conditions, and address problems with urgent needs. CDBG grants are often provided directly to city level agencies to administer, but for the many unincorporated areas of Maricopa County and those municipalities that are ineligible for direct grant funding, Maricopa County created the Maricopa Urban County to provide for their needs. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the second major HUD-funded program, which assists in housing activities benefiting low and moderate income residents of the Maricopa Urban County. The Division of Community Development also administers the funds made available through the 2008 Maricopa County Neighborhood Stabilization Program, aimed at addressing the issue of abandoned and foreclosed homes, and the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which provided funding for shovel-ready projects as well as homeless prevention and recovery services. < [] >
 * __Division of Community Justice Support Services__** - Community Justice Support Services is a July 2011 addition to the Department of Human Services suite of services, designed to provide prevention and intervention to youth and adults that are at-risk within the criminal justice system. It will serve as a bridge between the criminal justice and social services systems and provide comprehensive case management and support services to youth and adult probationers to help them become successful in the community and thereby reduce the risk of re-offending. Community Justice Support Specialists will serve as case managers, mentors, coordinators of services and navigators through the system who will build long-term relationships with the probationer and his/her family, as well as acting as a liaison with a probation officer if one is assigned. <[]>
 * __Head Start__**-Head Start/Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood development program designed to provide education, health and social services to low income children, ages 0-5 and their families. Maricopa County Head Start emphasizes on pre-reading, language, math and other cognitive skills, while continuing to promote children's health, social and emotional competence as part of school readiness. Head Start offers two program options: center-based services and home-based services.< [] >
 * __Workforce Development Division__** - The Workforce Development Division offers specialized services to employers and workers in order to develop a competitive workforce and promote economic self-sufficiency. Its services, most of which are free of charge, provide advice to job seekers, develop skills to improve their employability, and connect them with businesses who use the Division to study the labor market, learn about industry trends and seek qualified candidates for their openings. < [] >


 * __Maricopa County Department of Public Health__** - The mission of Maricopa County's Department of Public Health is to protect and promote the health and well-being of all of its residents and visitors. It works to provide protection from the health threats such as food-borne illnesses, natural and man-made disasters, toxic exposures, and preventable injury. Public Health also works to prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by addressing their risk factors: poor nutrition, inadequate physical activity, and tobacco use.< [] >


 * __Maricopa County Department of Transportation__** - MCDOT has responsibility for the design, planning, construction and maintenance of roadways in Maricopa County's unincorporated areas. < [] >


 * __Maricopa County Solid Waste Department__** - Maricopa County's Solid Waste Department provides solid waste disposal and recycling services to residents of the unincorporated and rural areas of Maricopa County, operates a Waste Tire Disposal program, and takes responsibility for the management and maintenance of landfills that have been closed. < [] >

Municipal Governance
 * __City of Phoenix__** - < [] >
 * __City Manager's Office__** - The City of Phoenix is run under what is referred to as a council-manager plan. The city is divided into eight council districts, each of which elects a city Council member. The city as a whole elects the Mayor. Together, the City Council and Mayor set policy for the city, making decisions as to what should be allowed or not allowed in Phoenix, what services need to be provided to its citizens, and how to address and solve problems in the City. The City Manager is hired by the elected City Council members to oversee and run the day-to-day operations of the city and advise them as they set policy. The City Manager's Office is ultimately in charge of the work of the 40 departments that make up the governance of the City of Phoenix. < [] >
 * __Community and Economic Development Department__** - The Community and Economic Development Department is in charge of stimulating economic and business activity in Phoenix. It works with businesses on their plans for expansion within or into the city in order to encourage economic growth. Its planning and development efforts were important parts of the development of the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, the Downtown Sports, Leisure and Warehouse District, and Roosevelt Row. < [] >
 * __Equal Opportunity Department__** - The Equal Opportunity Department is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity in fair housing and employment, disability concerns, goals compliance, economic opportunity for small and disadvantaged businesses, public accommodations, community relations, and accessibility in city services and facilities. The Department investigates discrimination complaints, administers the city's Americans with Disabilities Act compliance programs, develops and implements equal employment opportunity policies, and serves as an advocate in fair housing and fair employment education and outreach. Specialized programs exist to ensure that small businesses and businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals have equal opportunity to work with the City. < [] >
 * __Government Relations__** - Government Relations represents the City when interacting with other governmental agencies, inclusive of the federal government, Maricopa County, tribal communities, other cities, and regional agencies. It coordinates and builds relationships with these external groups to foster a cooperative relationship between all parties. Government Relations also provides city-wide grant coordination and coordinates special projects as directed by the City Manager. < [] >
 * __Housing Department__** - The Housing Department owns approximate 3500 housing units and manages more than 5000 housing choice vouchers, providing homes to more than 25,000 city residents. The assistance provided by the department and the agencies it works with help get families back on their feet and on the way to self-sufficiency. The Housing Department offers services and referrals for residents and operates financing programs to help both for-profit and non-profit agencies create more affordable housing within the community. < [] >
 * __Neighborhood Services Department__** - Neighborhood Services protects and revitalizes Phoenix neighborhoods and helps residents gain access to city services and programs. The Department operates many programs to clean up and build community in neighborhoods, including graffiti clean up, lead hazard control, emergency home repair services, energy efficiency programs, tool lending for cleanup efforts, landlord/tenant counseling and Good Neighbor Programs. Neighborhood Services also operates grant programs to community agencies interested in public services, neighborhood improvements, homeless services, housing projects, public facilities projects, housing counseling services, small business assistance and economic development programs. < [] >
 * __Office of Environmental Programs__**- The Office of Environmental Programs is a component of the City Manager's Office and has responsibility for coordinating and managing many of the city's environmental and sustainability programs. The Office helps other departments with federal, state and county environmental regulations dealing with air, water, soil, environmental contamination and hazardous waste. It also takes an active part in developing new state-level environmental statutes and regulations. OEP's ongoing responsibilities include air quality planning, climate change and sustainability activities, addressing soil and groundwater contamination, environmental policy development, regulatory review, and compliance oversight outreach. The City of Phoenix currently has over 80 active environmental and sustainability programs. < [] >
 * __Planning Department__** - The City Planning Department guides the physical development of the city. It develops long-range guides for how the city will grow and change, including issues such as energy, neighborhoods, housing, public facilities, and transportation, as well as day-to-day replanning and management as the city develops. < [] >
 * __Public Transit Department__** - The Public Transit Department operates local bus services and is a member of the Valley METRO regional transport system. Dial-a-Ride and Reserve-a-Ride services for qualified or senior residents of the city provide over 500,000 rides annually, and bus ridership included over 37,000,000 trips in 2010. Students going to school make up 23% of bus ridership, while 55% are commuters heading to work. < [] >
 * __Public Works Department__** - Public Works is home to the Engineering and Architecture Services and Sustainability efforts of the City of Phoenix, as well as being in charge of garbage collection, recycling and hazardous waste disposal. Public Works coordinates renewable energy goals, implements energy conservation and efficiency efforts, recycles about 120,000 tons of material per year, and disposes of over a million tons of solid waste in landfill a year, which does not include material taken to private landfills or landfills run by other cities in the metro area. That averages to almost 2,000 pounds of garbage generated by each resident each year. < [] >
 * __Street Transportation Department__** - The Street Transportation Department plans and provides for comfortable, safe, efficient transport of people and goods on the streets of Phoenix. To do so, Street Transportation maintains and improves roadways, engineers traffic, installs traffic signals and coordinates traffic safety. < [] >
 * __Water Services Department__** - The Water Services Department is in charge of providing water to Phoenix residents as well as managing and treating waste water to maintain a safe and healthy environment. The Department is responsible for maintaining a reliable supply of quality water for consumers and also educates the public about water conservation. < [] >


 * __City of Tempe__** - < [] >
 * __Community Development Department__** - The Community Development Department is responsible for long-range planning of future uses of Tempe land as transportation corridors, business districts and residential areas. The Department also issues permits and oversees current construction as well as administering federal programs for housing, social services and capital improvements. Its divisions oversee building safety, the design and preservation of the built environment, transportation, economic development, housing services, city planning, code compliance, redevelopment and special projects, and the development and use of Tempe Town Lake. < [] >
 * __Community Services Department__** - The Community Services Department provides educational, recreational, cultural and social services to the community. The Department administers city volunteer programs and is made up of the Library and Cultural Services Division, which operates the library, the Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe Connections and the History Museum, the Social Services Division, which offers the CARE 7 Crisis Intervention and Kid Zone programs as well as managing intergenerational centers, and the Recreational Services Division, which offers residents a multitude of opportunities to stay active and connected. < [] >
 * __Public Works Department__**- The Public Works Department is responsible for building and maintaining Tempe's infrastructure and providing essential services including transit services, street maintenance, refuse collection, water treatment, wastewater treatment, parks maintenance, engineering, facilities maintenance, fleet maintenance, custodial services, recycling, and hazardous waste management. < [] >