The Arizona Chapter
There are currently two WLI chapters in Arizona, one in Southern Arizona and a Northern Arizona cohort to pilot in 2026. Both cohorts provide a unique opportunity to learn more about water in Arizona and find community with others passionate about water leadership. Arizona chapters span across the US-Mexico border and sovereign nations creating connections that facilitate multinational collaboration.
Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona University’s Water, Society, and Policy Lab, EDF, and Arizona Water for All are piloting a cohort in Northern Arizona with a broad focus on the Colorado Plateau in Summer 2026. Here, WLI will take a new format as it will blend asynchronous learning workshops with field visits, and an overnight retreat. In Northern Arizona, WLI topics will focus on Surface and Groundwater Policy, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Leading through Uncertainty, and Water Stewardship. The Northern Arizona Cohort is actively accepting applications. if you’re interested in joining as a participant, please fill out the Application form.
We are recruiting creative and curious individuals interested in water stewardship, management, and governance. People who care about climate issues, shaping solutions to community water challenges, and reimagining the future of water in Northern Arizona – with a focus on the greater Colorado Plateau – should apply. Deadline to apply is April 17th, 2025.
Dates of workshops:
- Session 1: Flagstaff, Arizona – Saturday, May 30th (all day)
- Session 2: Sedona, Arizona – Saturday, June 6th (all day)
- Session 3: Page, Arizona – Saturday June 20th & Sunday June 21st (overnighter, all day Sat & Sun)
Why join the Water Leadership Institute?
💦 Gain cross-sector knowledge about water and climate impacts on the Colorado Plateau through hands-on activities, field trips, and storytelling
👥 Connect with peers, local leaders, and organizations working toward meaningful change
💥 Develop and strengthen your leadership and communication skills
💼 Grow your network and explore ways to collaborate on water and climate issues across sectors.
The Water Leadership Institute: Collaborating Across the Colorado Plateau program gives preference to early and mid-career individuals interested in water but is inclusive to all backgrounds and abilities. We encourage water operators, artists, advocates, recent graduates, water harvesters, and all who are strongly interested to apply. However, you should show openness to learning collaboratively and sharing personal or community experiences related to water and exhibit motivation and interest to participate fully. Must be 18+ years old. To apply, click the “Apply Here” button at the top of this page.
Southern Arizona
In fall 2024, both the South Tucson and Nogales Cohorts went on a Santa Cruz River trip. The trip included stops at the Border Wall and Nogales Wash, Tumacacori and Water Quality Testing, San Xavier District, and Santa Cruz Heritage Project.
In fall 2025, the Arizona Chapter hosted workshops across various locations, including (1) the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project in Cuk Son (Tucson), (2) the San Xavier District of the Tohono O’Odham Nation, (3) the Tumacácori National Historic Monument, (4) the Borderlands Restoration Network’s Native Seed Barn in Patagonia, and (5) the Wittner Museum in Nogales.
What to Expect
Past workshops organized participants have included:
• Reflecting on personal experiences and the experiences shared by WLI speakers, facilitators, and other participants.
• Connecting through dialogue, art, and hands-on experience while visiting different water-related sites in southern Arizona.
• Creating and sharing a Zine page about personal water leadership stories and personal relationships to water.
Curriculum Themes
Theme 1: Historical Context
Guiding Question: How have people in the past shaped the way we live and relate to water today?
Learning Objective: Explore how past decisions and actions have shaped the current conditions of the watershed and surrounding communities.
Theme 2: WASH Pathways
Guiding Question: How do systems past and present impact water access, sanitation, and hygiene?
Learning Objective: Understand the fundamental building blocks of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and their connection to environmental justice.
Theme 3: Transboundary Resilience
Guiding Question: What makes Arizona unique and what opportunities and responsibilities come with sharing water across borders?
Learning Objective: Explore the unique challenges and possibilities that arise from a transboundary river system.
Theme 4: Leadership
Guiding Question: How might I continue to show up as a water leader in my community?
Learning Objective: Reflect on your personal leadership style, strengths, relationships, and interests, and identify ways to apply your learning to advocate for water justice.
“I met an important connection at this event. We are going to collaborate on large scale watershed/cultural restoration together.”
– Coyote (Jonah), 2024 Water Leadership Institute Fall Cohort Member
News & Blogs
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Arizona’s emerging water leaders: Looking toward the future
I have spent the last two years as the community engagement specialist for Arizona Water for All, a pillar of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative.
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In the Wild West of water, residents set politics aside to protect their future
When Steve Kisiel was looking at property in the high desert east of Tucson, Arizona, he made sure to check out the water situation first. There was no city water in this rural area, so he knew he would need a good well.
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EDF applauds Arizona Governor Hobbs’ historic investments in water supply protection
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs today announced a $60.3 million investment to protect Arizona’s water supply, focusing on conservation, advanced technology, infrastructure improvements, and water sustainability to address critical water challenges across the state.
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New Water Institute Will Support Youth Leadership on Key Climate Challenges Affecting Borderland Communities
A new, free leadership program in South Tucson and Ambos Nogales will offer a unique opportunity for young leaders in the US-Mexico borderland region to explore water challenges in their communities and beyond.
Water Leadership Institute 