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- || INST. OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
(U.C. BERKELEY) ||
|| INTL. CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC
POLICY ||
|| INTL. DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE (IDEX) ||
|| INTL. DIPLOMACY COUNCIL ||
|| INTL. EXCHANGE NETWORK OF CAL. ||
|| INTL. FARMERS AID ASSOCIATION ||
|| INTL. GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COM.
||
|| INTL. HOUSE (U.C. BERKELEY) ||
|| INTL. INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL ||
|| INTL. RESCUE COMMITTEE ||
-
- INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Harry Kreisler, Executive Director
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Michael Watts, Director
Richard M. Buxbaum, Dean of International and Area Studies
Robert M. Price, Chairman, Institute Advisory Committee
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Institute of International Studies is an integral part of the University
of California, Berkeley operated under an interdisciplinary faculty committee.
It has worked since its inception as the central coordinating agency on
the Berkeley campus for research projects having an international focus.
It researches contemporary international problems, largely in the social
sciences, and frequently with a comparative focus. Research topics deal
with international political and economic relations, issues of public policy,
and the impact of science and technology on national and international
development.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The Institute was founded in 1955. During its first fifteen years it focused
exclusively on scholarly research designed to serve primarily the international
academic community. In recent years, the Institute has broadened its research
scope and added new activities. New research dimensions focus on public
policy issues, particularly in the field of international political and
economic relations.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
The Institute's work has global interests with a research focus on social,
political, and economic problems of developing nations, western industrial
societies, and Communist countries. Its problem areas include international
and comparative economics, national development, technology and social
change in industrialized societies, population research, international
relations, and U.S. foreign policy.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The Institute conducts research, publishes, offers seminars, is involved
in undergraduate teaching, and sponsors conferences and lectures. It schedules
presentations by some sixty visiting international scholars and policymakers
each year.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
The primary function of the Institute is research. In recent years, it
has also sought to enlarge public understanding of international issues
and to contribute to the founding of a new national consensus on the nature
of international problems--- what can and should be done about them.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
The Institute utilizes personnel of the various social science and related
departments of the University. Graduate students participate in Institute
research projects. Its primary audience is the academic community and individuals
in international affairs (scholars, organizational leaders, government
officials, and the media), the scientific and technological communities,
and the informed general public of Northern California.
-
- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
The Institute is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge. As part of
its primary research function, it brings scholars, public affairs experts,
and others into discussions of issues of theory and public policy. In this
work the Institute provides an arena for the diverse perspectives represented
on the Berkeley campus. The Institute itself does not seek to advance any
ideological position but actively seeks to promote informed debate on major
problems in the field.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: University of California 501(c)(3).
-
- ANNUAL BUDGET: $6,200,000.
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
UC Berkeley General Funds (about 15%) the rest in grant from private foundations
and government agencies (e.g., Agency for International Development, National
Science Foundation, N.E.H., etc.).
-
- PUBLICATIONS
Policy Papers in International Affairs
Insights in International Affairs
In addition to the above publication series, research results are published
in books, professional journals, project reports, and bibliographies on
specific international problems.
-
-
- INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT &
PUBLIC POLICY
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Thaddeus C. Trzyna, President
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Daniel A. Mazmanian, John Zierzold,
Michael R. Eaton, Senior Associates
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Center for the Environment and Public Policy works to
improve policymaking on environmental and related issues. ICEP's guiding
principle is sustainable development--that is, improving the quality of
human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.
The Center believes that sustainable development can be achieved by approaches
that combine social, economic, and environmental concerns. ICEP is a program
of the California Institute of Public Affairs (CIPA), an independent, nonpartisan
research organization founded in 1969 and affiliated with The Claremont
Graduate School. CIPA convenes discussions of leaders and scholars on public
problems; conducts research on policy issues and the policy process; and
compiles and publishes resource guides. It works in close collaboration
with other organizations.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The International Center for the Environment and Public Policy was formed
in 1993 to provide a focus for international activities that the Institute
has conducted since the early 1970s. The Center works within the framework
of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(ICUN - The World Conservation Union). ICUN, headquartered near Geneva,
Switzerland, is the umbrella organization of the world conservation movement.
Its members are over 800 national governments, public agencies, and non-governmental
organizations in 120 countries.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
Sustainable development worldwide.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The Center's main activities concentrate on supporting the IUCN Commission
on Environmental Strategy and Planning (CESP) whose main objectives in
1995-1996 are to:
-- Launch a major initiative to develop and advance a world ethic for living
sustainably;
-- Improve and promote sustainable development strategies at international,
national, and local levels;
-- Develop approaches that use landscapes as units of analysis, planning
and management;
-- Improve access to information about tools for sustainable development;
-- Find better ways of measuring sustainability;
-- Explore how the world conservation community can best give attention
to the social, political, cultural, economic, and methodological dimensions
of its work;
-- Publish a series of Commission working papers, conference proceedings,
and a newsletter, "Environmental Strategy", which is distributed
to 1,200 key organizations and individuals worldwide.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
A study tour is being planned for British leaders interested in California's
experience with collaborative decision-making on environmental programs.
The main current priority is bringing an international dimension to discussions
in Sacramento about policies required to move toward a sustainable California.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
Foundation grants; corporation contributions; sale of publications.
-
- PUBLICATIONS
World Directory of Environmental Organizations;
The Power of Convening: Collaborative Policy Forums for Sustainable Development;
What Works: An Annotated Bibliography of Case Studies of Sustainable Development;
Advanced Ethics for Living Sustainably:
Report of the IUCN Ethics Workshop.
-
-
- INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Graham Potter, Office Manager
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Paula Morris, Executive Director
Paul Strasburg, Chair of the Board of Directors
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
IDEX identifies small-scale community development projects in Asia, Africa
and Latin America and links them with supportive US partners, actively
engaging North Americans in the challenges of Third World communities.
Disadvantaged communities receive critical assistance while their US partners
learn about their efforts and gain a personal and direct means for contributing
to the alleviation of conditions of poverty and underdevelopment.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
IDEX was founded in 1985 by volunteers.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
Geographic areas: Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Southern and Southeastern
Asia.
Problem areas: Community development, Micro-enterprise, Global Education.
-
- PROGRAMMING
IDEX has funded over 225 projects and currently supports communities in
nine nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These community-based projects
typically are organized around micro-enterprise development, women's groups,
agricultural development and social service delivery. Through its school
Partnership program, IDEX has worked with 60 schools, reaching over 7000
students in the US. Through experience with grassroots development in the
Third World and commitment to sharing what they have learned from their
work, workers at IDEX are able to transmit their experience to students.
The students can explore beyond the sensational, tragic, or catastrophic
news of Third World events. They begin to achieve a deeper understanding
of the will, imagination, and resourcefulness of Third World communities.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
-- Continue to provide small-scale community development grants that contribute
to the people's ability to take control of their lives.
-- Educate and motivate San Francisco Bay Area students to learn and engage
in Third World community development.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
-- Donors: Americans wanting to sponsor community-level small-scale development
overseas.
-- Students: In classrooms studying Third World issues.
-- Communities: Organized overseas communities who want to do a development
project.
-
- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
-- Only small, community-initiated projects in communities lacking access
to traditional forms of assistance and not reached by large-scale development
efforts are supported.
-- Education is critical to full participation in the global community
and the key to long-term social change.
-- Project sponsors select the community project they want to support.
One hundred precent of their contribution is channeled directly to the
project of their choice, and communities share their insights with the
sponsors through reports, letters and photographs.
-- IDEX is a community-based organization, founded and energized by volunteers.
It includes sponsors, donors, and partners in policy formulation, education,
and fund allocations.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3)
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
Individual donations, foundation grants.
-
- PUBLICATIONS
IDEX Update newsletter, 3 times a year.
-
-
- INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY COUNCIL
- KEY CONTACT
- Elizabeth Wallace, Executive Director
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Patti Hume, President
Terry Vogt, Executive Vice President
Anne Briggin, Associate Director
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Diplomacy Council of the Bay Area (IDC) is a community
membership organization established to promote friendly relations between
Americans and peoples of other countries. It is an active member of the
National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), a network of some 102
similar voluntary organizations throughout the United States. A 45 member
Board of Directors governs the Council's policies, programs and financing.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The Council was established in 1952 as the International Hospitality Center.
The focus then was on arranging home hospitality and sight-seeing for foreign
visitors and presenting a variety of functions for members of the Consular
Corps and their families. When the U.S. Information Agency closed its San
Francisco Reception Center in 1983, the Center assumed full responsibility
for administering the USIA's International Visitors Program in the Bay
Area. Consequently, the name was changed to the International Visitors
Center. In 1994, the name was changed to the current International Diplomacy
Council.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
In 1994, IDC served visitors from 164 countries and territories. Its primary
purpose is to promote professional-friendship ties between the Bay Area
and countries all over the world.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The IDC provides opportunities for mutually beneficial contacts and communication
between Americans and foreign visitors through a variety of programs and
services. It is the only San Francisco based agency that arranges professional
programs for short-term visitors under the auspices of the United States
Information Agency's International Visitors Program and a host of other
public and private organizations. IDC staff and volunteers arrange visits
to business, educational, scientific, medical, and cultural institutions,
and to local government agencies for meetings between the visitors and
their professional American counterparts.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
The Council's current priorities include expanding its professional resources
involving more Bay Area businesses and organizations in the International
Visitor Program, increasing its membership and volunteers with wider ethnic
representation.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
IDC services benefit foreign visitors to the Bay Area and Americans who
come into contact with these visitors. Some 1,020 Bay Area residents and
65 corporations are members of the Center. IDC visitors have been identified
by American embassies as the rising leaders in their countries.
-
- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
The International Diplomacy Council believes that improved cross-cultural
understanding will improve relations between nations. It is a nonpartisan,
nonpolitical organization, dedicated to providing foreign visitors with
opportunities to gain firsthand insight into American life and culture.
In the process, U.S. hosts also gain an understanding of other cultures
and peoples. More than 100 agencies call upon the Diplomacy Council for
its services, including the U.S. Information Agency, U.S. Department of
Education, Asia Foundation, Agency for International Development, Eisenhower
Exchange Fellowship, Consular Corps, foreign governments, local corporations,
colleges and universities.
LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- ANNUAL BUDGET: $500,000
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
Individual membership fees and donations (30%), government grants (28%),
corporate contributions (13%), fundraising activities (12%), foundations
(5%), other sources (12%).
-
- PUBLICATIONS
IDC quarterly newsletter.
-
- INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE NETWORK OF CALIFORNIA
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Information Officer, Institute of Intl.. Education
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
President: Mimi Hinman, Cultural Homestay International
Secretary: Christa Shanon, Open Door Student Exchange
Treasurer: Kate deBoer, World Learning
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Exchange Network of California is a nonprofit public
benefit corporation of youth exchange organizations, other institutions
and individuals dedicated to promoting international citizen exchange and
education. This collaboration of organizations advocates programs to help
prepare students of today for leadership in the world of tomorrow. It serves
as California's major information center for international exchange.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The Exchange Network was organized in 1982 with an initial grant from the
William Flora Hewlett Foundation for the purpose of promoting education
through international citizen exchange, providing services to organizations
and individuals concerned with international education and citizen exchange,
and encouraging the use of international exchanges in the development of
international and intercultural education. The objective of the Exchange
Network is to encourage linkages between the exchange sector and other
agencies concerned with international education and greater awareness of
world affairs.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
The Exchange Network, through its International Youth Exchange Guide, serves
as a clearinghouse for youth exchange opportunities throughout California.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The Exchange Network publishes and distributes the International Youth
Exchange Guide to California's secondary schools, organizations, and interested
individuals. The Network also serves as a regional contact for information
about International Youth Exchange. Through its quarterly meetings, the
Exchange Network promotes cooperative activities on exchange issues for
members.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
Members include representatives of both profit and nonprofit international
exchange organizations, educators, and others interested in supporting
international citizen exchange. The target audience for the International
Youth Exchange Guide includes youths between ages 15 and 24, the education
community, relevant institutions and community organizations.
-
- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
The Network is a nonpartisan agency. Members working within the Network
endorse the idea that person-to-person exchange helps develop citizen diplomacy
and the human infrastructure needed to increase international understanding.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
The Exchange Network is dependent upon membership dues and donations for
current funds. Past funding has come from the U.S. Information Agency's
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, The William and Flora Hewlett
Foundation, and Global Perspectives in Education, Inc.
-
- PUBLICATIONS
The International Youth Exchange Guide lists major nonprofit youth exchange
programs serving California. It includes guidelines for selecting a program
as a student going abroad or for the host family in this country.
-
- INTERNATIONAL FARMERS AID ASSOCIATION
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Akira Fukuda, President
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Chris McNulty, Educational Events Coordinator/Office Manager
Julio Yukio Ezawa, Programs Coordinator
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
International Farmers Aid Association (IFAA) is a nonprofit educational
organization which offers young foreign farmers and students of agriculture
with a serious interest in farming a unique intercultural learning opportunity
in American agriculture. The program involves placing agricultural trainees
on American host farms where they gain a working knowledge of modern farming
techniques and a solid introduction to a different culture. IFAA also administers
a reciprocal program for young American agriculturalists who wish to participate
in a similar program in Japan. IFAA is a private institution whose operations
are governed by a Board of Directors comprised mostly of Northern California
farmers or retired farmers. With a headquarters in the San Francisco Bay
Area, IFAA places trainees in a wide variety of farming operations in fifteen
states across the country including California, Hawaii.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
IFAA was founded by the Japanese Minister of Agriculture in 1952 in response
to the postwar realization that self-sufficiency in food production was
essential to the preservation of world peace. With support from the Japanese
Government, and in cooperation with the University of California Extension,
the program's first participants were young Japanese farmers sent to learn
modern farming techniques on U.S. farms. Since that time, some 7,000 farm
trainees from several different nations have participated in IFAA's practical
training program. Many have returned home to become leaders in agriculture
and other fields in their own countries. At present, IFAA places trainees
primarily from Japan, South Korea, Paraguay, and Bolivia and Brazil in
the U.S. and American trainees in Japan.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
IFAA's program focuses on an exchange of information and knowledge between
U.S. farmers, foreign farmers and agricultural students. The program specializes
in teaching modern American farming techniques in food and fiber production.
-
- PROGRAMMING
IFAA's one-year agricultural trainee program emphasizes learning by doing.
Placed on American host farms, participants work under the direction and
supervision of the host farmer. In addition, the trainees undertake a study
project, attend educational seminars and field trips, and participate in
the host community's social activities. IFAA attempts to match farmer and
trainee in order to place each trainee on a farming operation that meets
the needs of his specific interests. IFAA also coordinates additional educational
activities in various interest areas to supplement the trainees' practical
training.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
IFAA's first priority is administering its training program. Another priority
is a program to send American farmers abroad as farm trainees, particularly
to Japan. IFAA welcomes applicants to this program, and hopes to develop
in the United States a vigorous tradition of farm traineeship, as found
in many Asian, European, and Latin American nations.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
Trainee participants in IFAA's program are selected by agricultural organizations
in their homelands and are generally between the ages of 18-30 with farm/agricultural
school backgrounds. They must be physically able to perform arduous farm
chores and have at least a high school education with a working knowledge
of English. IFAA host farms represent a wide variety of types and scales
of farming operations.
-
- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
IFAA's primary concern is to alleviate world hunger by promoting the dissemination
of modern agricultural techniques among farmers of different nations and
fostering the development of a new generation of agricultural leaders.
In addition, IFAA is committed to furthering international goodwill through
its exchange activities with farmers and farm organizations around the
world.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
Contributions from host farmers and others.
-
- INTL. GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Julie Dorf, Executive Director
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Jorge Cortinas, Program Director
Darla Rucker, Development Director
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) advocates
for a world in which the most fundamental rights of gay men, lesbians,
bisexuals, and people with HIV will be respected. Part of this mission
is to redefine the global battle for human rights to include sexual minorities
and people with AIDS and HIV. IGLHRC monitors and documents violations,
exposing and mobilizing urgent responses to the most egregious cases. IGLHRC
considers itself to be unique in its method of combining traditional human
rights monitoring, documenting, advocating, and lobbying techniques with
grass roots organizing and support, including the distribution of material
aid to groups in developing countries. The primary goal is to halt human
rights abuses in any way possible.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission was founded in
1990 to fill the gap created by the reluctance of other watchdog organizations
to include sexual minorities in their mandate. The need to focus international
attention on the plight of sexual minorities and people with AIDS is evident
from the long list of abuses that have been brought to the Commission's
attention to date.
GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
Human rights worldwide.
-
- PROGRAMMING
Programs cover the following areas:
-- Monitoring and Documentation;
-- Nonviolent Direct Action;
-- Technical Assistance and Direct Support;
-- Public Educaparts.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
The Council's currention;
-- Media;
-- Conferences/Delegations;
-- Coalition Building.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
Current priorities are the following:
-- Gay and Lesbian Asylum and Immigration;
-- Combatting anti-Gay violence;
-- Decriminalization of Gay/Lesbian sexual relations.
MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone interested.
PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
Every day, in countries around the world, the most basic human rights of
lesbians, gay men, and people with AIDS and HIV are brutally denied.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- ANNUAL BUDGET: $200,000
FUNDING SOURCES
Foundations, individuals, corporations.
-
- PUBLICATIONS
Homoglobe, Emergency Response Network Newsletter, Rights of Gays and Lesbians
in the Russian Federation, Global Lesbian Rights Report.
-
-
- INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
- KEY CONTACT
- Joseph Lurie, Executive Director
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Liliane Koziol, Program Director
Clark Lemaux, Business Manager
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
International House is a program and residential center dedicated to fostering
peaceful interaction, understanding and friendship among people of all
races, nations and cultures. About 600 students live in I-House: half from
the USA and half from 60-70 nations abroad. International House seeks to
create an atmosphere where similarities and differences are explored on
the basis of mutual respect. Its rich array of programs serves its residents,
the campus and local community.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
Founded in 1930 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Harry Edmonds, International
House is operated by an independent, self-supporting nonprofit corporation
which has ties to other major International Houses around the world. It
is very closely affiliated with the University of California at Berkeley.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
All geographic areas addressed with aim of fostering tolerance, cross-cultural
understanding and mutual respect.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
-- Raising funds to renovate the building, enhance financial aid programs
for residents and further enrich program offerings.
-- Further develop speakers' program designed to bring a global perspective
to local schools and community organizations.
PROGRAMMING
International House programs are an important part of the intercultural
purpose and life of the House. They include but are not limited to: nationality
nights, cross-cultural discussions, coffee hours, social dances, aerobics,
films and slide shows, visits with local families, language tables, cultural
tours, lectures and seminars focused on the political, cultural and economic
aspects of world affairs.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
Nonresident membership is open to individuals who live in the Bay Area,
who are interested in participating in the cross-cultural, educational
and social programs of the House. Members enjoy institutional events free
or at a discount and receive a program newsletter nine times a year.
-
- LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3).
-
- ANNUAL BUDGET: $5 million.
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
- Room and board fees (80%); sales/fees (12%); contributions
(5%); investments (3%).
-
- PUBLICATIONS
For residents and members: The Program News, published 9 times a year.
For alumni and donors: The I House Times, published twice a year.
For the public at large: Annual Report, Informal History.
-
- INTERNATIONAL INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL
-
- KEY CONTACTS
- Antonio G. Gonzales, UN Liaison
- Alberto Saldamando, General Counsel
- Lisa Garrett, Program Coordinator
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Andrea Carmen, Executive Director
William A. Means, Board President
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) is an organization of indigenous
peoples from North, Central, South America and the Pacific working for
the sovereignty and self-determination of indigenous peoples and the recognition
and protection of indigenous rights, treaties, traditional cultures and
sacred lands. The IITC provides support to many grassroots Indigenous struggles
and focuses on participation in UN forums in order to systematically address
concerns vital to indigenous peoples. Files human rights complaints using
both conventional and nonconventional international mechanisms on behalf
of indigenous peoples and communities.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The International Indian Treaty Council was founded in 1974 at a gathering
called by the American Indian Movement (AIM) in Standing Rock, South Dakota
attended by more than 5000 representatives of 98 indigenous nations. In
1977, the IITC was recognized as a non-governmental organization with consultative
status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the first organization
of indigenous peoples to be so recognized.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The IITC supports many grassroots indigenous struggles through information
dissemination, networking and coalition building, technical assistance,
direct organizing and facilitating the participation of traditional peoples
in local, regional, national and international forums, events and gatherings.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
-- Treaty Study Project: To increase participation and awareness about
the U.N. Study on the international legal status of treaties and constructive
arrangements between indigenous peoples and states.
-- Children's Rights Program: To document human rights violations against
indigenous children around the world; emphasis is placed on the health
effects of toxic and nuclear contamination, the removal of indigenous children
from their communities, and on the effects on children and youth of the
military repression against the indigenous peoples of Guatemala.
-- Environmental Rights Program: To collect documentation, provide technical
assistance and public education on issues and ongoing concerns of indigenous
peoples relating to the protection of their traditional lands, sustainable
development practices and natural resources; and to impact international
policies and standards recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous
peoples in the areas of environment and development.
-
- MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE
Indigenous peoples worldwide.
- LEGAL STATUS: 501(c)(3).
-
- ANNUAL BUDGET: $200,000
-
- FUNDING SOURCES
Foundations, church groups, private donors.
-
- PUBLICATIONS
IITC publishes a newsletter.
- Updated January 1999
- INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
-
- KEY CONTACT
- Don Climent, Director
- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF
Ou Yen, Resettlement Specialist, Southeast Asia
Leslie Peterson, Resettlement Specialist, Non-Southeast Asia
-
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is the major American nonsectarian
voluntary agency devoted to helping refugees throughout the world. The
Committee has been particularly interested in refugees who are victims
of totalitarian regimes. The basic elements of IRC's refugee work consist
of emergency aid (e.g., food, shelter, clothing and medical aid); resettlement
overseas and in the U.S.; assistance with immigration problems; and a variety
of support services. Governed by a Board of Directors with corporate headquarters
in New York, IRC operates fifteen regional offices throughout the U.S.
and maintains twenty-five overseas offices. The San Francisco office is
primarily concerned with resettling refugees in the Northern California
region.
-
- BRIEF HISTORY
The Committee was established in 1933, one week before Hitler seized control
of Germany. Its founding purpose was to help democratically-minded anti-Nazis
escape from Germany and resettle in the free world. Since then, IRC has
been in the forefront of the world's recurrent refugee crises. Throughout
its history, IRC has emphasized aid to exiled leaders. Increasingly, however,
the Committee has been concerned with the plight of refugee children. Since
the Communist takeover of Indochina in 1975, IRC has devoted a large measure
of its worldwide effort to the Indochinese. The San Francisco office was
established that same year to deal specifically with Indochinese resettlement.
Since 1982, the San Francisco office has resettled an increasing number
of refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Poland, Rumania, the former
Yugoslavia, the former Soviet Union, and other Eastern European countries.
-
- GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS
The San Francisco office was set up to sponsor and resettle refugees from
Southeast Asia (i.e., Laos, Kampuchea and Vietnam). This office has also
resettled refugees from Afghanistan, Armenia, Chile, Cuba, Iraq (Kurds),
and has worked with refugees from Eastern Europe, Iran and Africa.
-
- PROGRAMMING
The work of IRC covers a wide spectrum of services, ranging from emergency
aid to assisting refugees in achieving a self-supporting status. The Committee
conducts rural development programs, and provides medical and surgical
aid, child care, educational support, language training and job placement;
it also works on emigration and asylum problems.
-
- CURRENT PRIORITIES
Resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees is still the major task of IRC/SF.
However, as current federal policies limit resettlement to family reunification
the need for sponsorship of Southeast Asians has diminished. In the recent
past, the percentage of non-Southeast Asian refugees has increased, now
comprising about a third of total resettlement. Employment for refugees
from all parts of the world is a major thrust and programs to foster employment
are a top priority.
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- PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS
IRC is committed to the humanitarian objective of relieving universal suffering
regardless of political boundaries. Its nongovernmental, nonpartisan, and
nonsectarian character gives it the speed and mobility essential for rapid
response and enables it to act in the areas where government programs may
not be allowed to function.
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- LEGAL STATUS: New York 501(c)(3).
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- ANNUAL BUDGET
$1.1 million (regional); $9 million (national); $90 million (international).
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- FUNDING SOURCES
Grants (65%) and contributions from foundations, corporations, labor unions,
community and student groups, and thousands of individual citizens.
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- PUBLICATIONS
Periodic Newsletter from IRC Chairman.
Annual Report.
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