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|| JAPAN SOCIETY OF NORTHERN CAL. || || JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL || || LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CAL. || || MARIN CENTER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE || || MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND || || MONTEREY INST. OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES || || MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION || || OAKLAND WORLD TRADE ASSOCIATION || || OXFAM AMERICA || || PAN AMERICAN SOCIETY OF S.F. ||

JAPAN SOCIETY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA KEY CONTACT Thomas A. Wilkins, Executive Director PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Howard T. Hoover, President Susan Nakamura, Assistant Director BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Japan Society of Northern California is a regional membership organization dedicated to furthering understanding and cultural exchange between the peoples of Japan and the United States. Its primary purpose is to serve as a regional center and forum for educational, cultural, economic, and political relations between the United States and Japan. The Society is part of a nationwide association of 25 autonomous societies. Headquartered in San Francisco, the Society also has offices in San Jose and Sacramento. BRIEF HISTORY Founded in 1905, the Northern California office is the second oldest Japan Society in the United States. Until 1941, it served as the focus for Japanese-American exchange in the Bay Area. Activities were suspended during the war years. Since 1952, when the Society resumed activity, it has greatly expanded its membership. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS The Society provides a Northern California center for social and intellectual exchange between Japanese and American peoples. PROGRAMMING Major programs include lecture series, conferences and seminars, and occasional social events. The Society also sponsors exhibitions and cultural events, provides information services, and maintains a library. The Society also maintains extensive Japanese language instruction throughout the Bay Area. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE The Society's target audience includes professional and business people, educators, and members of the general public interested in the U.S.-Japan relationship. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS The Society believes that peace and mutually beneficial international interactions require understanding and cooperation. Its strategy of work is to facilitate cross-cultural understanding through dialogue and exchange, as well as outreach and diverse programmatic activities. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $500,000 FUNDING SOURCES Corporate and individual dues (45%), programs (45%), grants and other (10%). PUBLICATIONS Japan Journal, bimonthly report on programming activities/summaries of Society and other Bay Area Japan-related organizations.
Updated March 1999

JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL KEY CONTACT Douglas Kahn, Executive Director PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Michael A. Jacobs, Chairman Jerry Isaak-Shapiro, Associate director BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties, is the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community in the area. It is one of 117 similar Councils located in cities across the U.S. There is a Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater East Bay in Oakland. The San Francisco-based JCRC is composed of more than 70 local organizations and synagogues. The Council is governed by a Board of 100 members made up of representatives of participating local organizations, local representatives of national organizations, and 50 representatives elected at large. BRIEF HISTORY ARGET JCRC was established in the late 1930s, but became a major community organization following World War II. Originally focused on problems of anti-semitism, JCRC broadened its agenda to include civil and human rights problems in the wider community, issues related to the Arab/Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Middle East and issues related to international human rights and world Jewry. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS The Jewish Community Relations Council addresses problems faced by the Jewish community locally, nationally, and overseas. It seeks to interpret to the larger Jewish community's concerns regarding the security and survival of Israel and the plight of Jews in the former Soviet Union and other areas where Jews are persecuted. It also works on wider community issues (e.g., public education, fair housing, employment discrimination, immigration, gun control/ urban violence). In cooperation with other groups (e.g., NAACP, the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Justice, the Council of Churches), it fights racism and bigotry. Middle East problems, human rights problems, and values in U.S. foreign policy are among the world affairs issues given priority. PROGRAMMING JCRC establishes commissions to advance its work on the problem areas mentioned above. It researches and recommends policy positions to the general public, other organizations, and government agencies. Seminars, conferences, and publications are used in JCRC education programs. CURRENT PRIORITIES The JCRC, in conjunction with the American Jewish Congress, has recently established a community-wide Coalition Against Gun Violence, and has been an active advocate for gun control legislation. In addition, the JCRC coordinated a community-wide coalition against a recent school voucher initiative, and has been an active participant in the campaign to humanely address the issue of illegal immigration and undocumented workers in California. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE The most broadly representative Jewish agency in its area, JCRC develops programs for its own membership and represents the organized Jewish community before government agencies. It works closely with other ethnic and religious groups in the Bay Area. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS Fundamental to JCRC's approach to public policy issues is the desire to strengthen a free pluralistic society in the United States, one in which democratic values inform public policy. JCRC sees the survival of Jews and all minorities as dependent on such a society. While seeking to advance specifically Jewish concerns, the Council recognizes that these include thoughtful attempts to advance justice and peace in the world community. It emphasizes coalition approaches to public policy issues. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $500,000 FUNDING SOURCES Fund drives in the Jewish community. PUBLICATIONS Contact the JCRC office for a complete list of publications. Updated March 1999

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA KEY CONTACT Carol Gill, President PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Peggi Beggs, Administrator Trudy Schafer, Program Director/Legislative Advocate BRIEF DESCRIPTION The League of Women Voters (LWV) is a nonpartisan, national membership organization which aims to encourage the informed and active participation of all U.S. citizens in government and politics. The League's primary international objective is to promote peace in an interdependent world by supporting stronger international organizations and U.S. cooperation with other nations in a variety of fields. The League's Education Fund has an International Relations Department which seeks to broaden citizen understanding of international issues through programs using the organization's network of state and local groups. With a national secretariat in Washington, DC and a full-time observer at the United Nations, the League has some 1,200 local chapters throughout the U.S. There are chapters organized in more than 40 Northern California cities. BRIEF HISTORY Founded in 1920, the national League grew out of the National American Women's Suffrage Association. Issues it has addressed include women's prisons, public and mental health, direct primaries, equal opportunity, and educational and environmental issues. The California League's activities have contributed to the national League's support of the League of Nations, Post-World War II reconstruction, the establishment of the U.N., and the re-opening of trade relations with China. The League has supported negotiations to reduce the risk of war and increase global stability. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS The League has no continuing specific geographic focus. Rather, its international concerns are global in scope. It addresses such international issues as nuclear nonproliferation and international peace-keeping, world hunger, and the importance of the link between trade, development assistance and global cooperation. PROGRAMMING The League's work is divided into two parts. One is Voter Service, which includes distribution of nonpartisan information on issues and candidates, campaigns to encourage registration and voting, meetings with candidates, courses in practical politics, and field trips to city halls and state legislatures. The second is League Programs, involving study of selected governmental issues with a view toward taking action at local, state, and federal levels. The program priorities are decided at a biennial convention after local League study and discussion. The National League attempts to implement the program directives through lobbying and program activities. CURRENT PRIORITIES Issues and actors in upcoming elections at local, state, and federal levels occupy the top of every League's agenda. International issues of current concern include the nuclear arms race and an evaluation of U.S. relations with developing countries. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS The League does not endorse any particular candidate or political party, but encourages its members to participate in the party of their choice. After study and discussion, the League tends to choose a liberal internationalist perspective, as reflected in positions supporting the U.N. as an international peace-keeping force; free trade, including opposition to embargoes; and U.S. aid to other nations without military strings attached. LEGAL STATUS: Nonprofit, public benefit corp. ANNUAL BUDGET $316,811 (regional), about 5% of which is available for international programs. FUNDING SOURCES Membership dues (80%) and government and private foundation grants (20%). Local chapters conduct fundraising activities for their own budgets. PUBLICATIONS Voter, national quarterly newsletter for members Report From the Hill, national monthly. State Voter, state quarterly newsletter for members Updated March 1999

MARIN CENTER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE KEY CONTACT Don Carney, Executive Director PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Lynn Rolston, President of Board BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Marin Center for Peace and Justice is a nonprofit organization of member groups providing a meeting place and information clearing house in Marin County where groups and individuens. BRIEF HISTORY Founded in 1983 by peace activists and political organizers in Marin county, the Center was established in order to unify and coordinate efforts of various small peace and environmental groups. In its first years, the Center focused on solidarity work with Nicaragua and El Salvador but gradually expanded its public response to peace and justice events elsewhere in the world. Many people first come into contact with the Center through a specific issue or during a time of crisis (e.g. the Persian Gulf War). The Center regularly conducts educational activities focusing on global events through study groups, public forums and special project. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS Central America, South Africa, Middle East, Israel, Palestine, Bosnia, Haiti, Cuba. Coalition with immigrant support groups and immigrants in the county. PROGRAMMING Institute for the study of racism, draft study group, ongoing study of international events. CURRENT PRIORITIES -- Educating and involving the public in discussion of current issues of peace, nonviolence, and social justice as manifested in the local community and as connected to those same issues throughout the nation and the world. -- Countering racism and anti-immigration hysteria. -- Cooperating with other community groups to work for an end to homelessness. -- Working toward universal health care for all residents of the United States. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE Members: liberal and progressive people, social democrats and socialists. Target audience: the general population in the county with whom the Center advocates for a progressive view. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS "Peace" means conversion from a military-driven economy and foreign policy to a peace-based, environment-conserving economy and culture. "Justice" means authentic democracy with universal access to education, employment, health care and housing and the abolition of all forms of racial and gender privilege. Justice also means universal basic human rights, an equitable redistribution of real wealth, equality before the law, penal reform and an end to capital punishment. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $30,000 FUNDING SOURCES Membership dues and pledges, fundraising events, small grants, book and poster sales. PUBLICATIONS Monthly Calendar (of peace, justice and environmental meetings and events), Special Action Alerts, Quarterly Newsletter.
Updated March 1999

MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND KEY CONTACT Maria Blanco, Regional Counsel PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Denise Hulett, Staff Attorney BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) is a public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Latinos in the United States. MALDEF is dedicated to securing rights in immigration, employment, education, political access, and language and voting rights. The firm achieves its objectives by litigating class action/impact cases and through advocacy, community education, and collaboration with other groups and individuals. BRIEF HISTORY MALDEF was founded in 1968 in San Antonio by Chicano attorneys who desired to create an organization for the protection of rights of Latinos in the U.S. MALDEF is headquartered in Los Angeles and has regional offices in San Francisco, Chicago and Washington. MALDEF has a staff of 70 employees, 22 of whom are attorneys. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS The main problem area addressed by MALDEF is discrimination against Latinos in areas of immigration, employment, education, language rights and voting rights. The San Francisco office covers Northern California, Nevada, and areas in the Northern Pacific region. PROGRAMMING In addition to litigating class action and impact cases, MALDEF conducts the following programs: -- Parents Program informs parents about their children's legal rights; -- Leadership Program builds leadership skills of members of the Latino community in order to increase the number of Latinos serving on decision-making boards and commisions; -- Law School Scholarship Program awards 20 scholarships to recognize extraordinary achievements; -- Census and Redistricting Program includes census outreach efforts in Latino communities complemented by a comprehensive redistricting program in order to increase Latino participation in the political process. CURRENT PRIORITIES MALDEF has the following current priorities: -- Oppose legislative bills that are violating the rights of Latinos in the guise of immigration reform. -- Expand educational opportunities for Latino children, -- Improve employment and economic opportunities for Latinos. -- Increase the number of Latinos participating in the political system. -- Promote naturalization and voter registration. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE The main target audiences are Latinos and lawmakers. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $5,000,000 (national). FUNDING SOURCES Private donations, corporations, and grants. PUBLICATIONS MALDEF Brief, a brief description of current MALDEF legislation. ocumented workers in California.
Updated March 1999

MONTEREY INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES KEY CONTACT Glynn Wood, Academic Dean PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Robert Gard, President A. Kenneth Nilson, Chair, Board of Trustees BRIEF DESCRIPTION Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) is a fully accredited, private, nonsectarian upper division and graduate institution offering degree programs, two special nondegree programs, and intensive summer language training. All degree programs are structured around common requirements in foreign language and international studies, irrespective of major. BRIEF HISTORY The Institute was founded in 1955 as a private foreign language school. It has been a pioneer in providing intensive language instruction and is known, both nationally and internationally, for its highly successful summer language programs. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS Degree programs offer area studies and language training specific to Western Europe, Eastern Europe, the Newly Independent States, Latin America, China, Japan, Asia, and the Middle East. Institute programs focus on interrelationships among states and regions of the globe. Programs also further an awareness of the peoples of the world: knowledge of other peoples' cultures, languages, institutions and technologies. PROGRAMMING The Institute's 2-year degree programs are offered through four academic divisions: International Management (MBA), International Policy Studies, International Public Administration, Languages and Humanities, and Translation and Interpretation. A one-year M.A. is offered in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and in Teaching Foreign Languages. Students pursuing a degree in one division take electives in other divisions to diversify their skills. Two special language-culture programs are offered respectively to incoming foreign students and to foreign-bound business personnel wishing specific language skills and area expertise. The Institute's Summer Intensive Language program provides immersion-type training in 11 languages. All language training is supplemented with computer-oriented audio/video laser-disc technology. CURRENT PRIORITIES The Institute's highest priority is to offer career-oriented programs to students interested in pursuing work in an international environment, either in the public or nonprofit sectors. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE Applicants should be capable of college level work of high academic caliber and have had two years foreign language study. The Institute program is designed for those preparing to serve in international agencies, government service in various countries, or private enterprises at the transnational level. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS The Institute believes that mutual understanding and accurate communication is essential for peaceful and beneficial international relations. In pursuit of these objectives, the Institute's strategy is to increase the foreign language skills and the cultural and political knowledge of people involved in foreign relations. Its international and multicultural orientation guides the interdisciplinary nature of its programs. By providing each student with a thorough grounding in language and international issues, the Institute strives to prepare students for graduation into an increasingly complex world of diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $14,000,000 FUNDING SOURCES Tuition fees (60%); individual contributions and fundraising (40%). PUBLICATIONS Monterey Review, semiannual review of academic community's views on international affairs.


MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION COUNCIL INC. KEY CONTACT Roger L. Bartlett, Executive Director PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND SENIOR STAFF Khamchanh Louanphixay,Chairperson Quan Khuu, Vice Chairperson BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Mutual Assistance Association Council Inc. is a non-profit organization composed of several Mutual Assistance Associations with a shared commitment to advocate for the needs and benefits of refugees in San Francisco. MAA Council promotes and provides recreational, cultural, educational, employment, community development and social service programs to refugees in order to assist them in entering the mainstream of American life while preserving their unique past. MAA Council develops resources; conducts workshops; and provides information, referral, language, and escort services to assist refugees in San Francisco in cultural and social adjustment. BRIEF HISTORY MAA Council was originally a coalition of Southeast Asian refugee service agencies organized in 1986. MAA Council Inc was incorporated in 1989 and is a designated employment service resource for Southeast Asian, Cuban refugees. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS MAA Council focuses its work in San Francisco County on the problem areas of immigrant and refugee employment, housing, education, community development, welfare, health and youth issues. PROGRAMMING Current MAA Council program includes work in the following program areas: -- Refugee Resource and Information Center; -- Refugee Employment Service; -- Social Services; -- Youth Employment and Education; -- Immigration Employment Service; -- Immigrant Information and Assistance; -- Crisis Intervention; -- Translation; -- Community Development. CURRENT PRIORITIES MAA Council's current priorities are youth and employment services, although the agency does provide services in all of the above program areas. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE MAA Council's primary audience is Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees, though we do provide services to Cuban refugees and any other immigrant or refugee seeking employment services. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS MAA Council does not take a position on world politics other than being pro-immigrant and refugee. Our strategy is to provide the services immigrants and refugees need in order to enter mainstream American life, while also preserving their unique past. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3) ANNUAL BUDGET: $ 150,000 FUNDING SOURCES MAA Council's primary sources of funding are grants.

OAKLAND WORLD TRADE ASSOCIATION KEY CONTACT Sharon Vonderau, President PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Reiko Mayeno, Administrative Coordinator BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Oakland World Trade Association (OWTA) provides services and encouragement in the international trade field to the Bay Area business community. Its objective is to promote Bay Area international trade with an emphasis on the East Bay. Each year it presents the International Trade Achievement Award to an East Bay business firm. Its activities are guided by an elected slate of officers and Board of Directors. BRIEF HISTORY OWTA was founded in 1928 as the Oakland Port and Harbor Club with a membership of twelve which has now expanded to 250. Its services have steadily grown to include business education, contracts for its members, and legislative advocacy for its positions. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS OWTA deals with the entire range of international trade problems encountered by the Bay Area community. PROGRAMMING OWTA sponsors a number of programs to help meet the needs of the Bay Area business community. These include quarterly dinner meetings with speakers from the international business community and occasional seminars, led by experts, on topical subjects. OWTA also cosponsors meetings, seminars, and social functions with other local organizations to bring members expanded opportunities for discussion. Annually the Association honors the San Francisco Bay Area Consular Corps at an International Banquet. The Association also disseminates information on national and international business operations through its newsletter. CURRENT PRIORITIES The major current priority is to promote exports, especially from California. OWTA is also lobbying for further tariff reductions and a reduction in non-tariff trade barriers such as quotas on imported goods. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE Members and audience are drawn largely from the Bay Area international business community. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS OWTA supports a free market economy and fair international trade. It cooperates with other international trade organizations in the region. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $50,000 FUNDING SOURCES: Membership dues. PUBLICATIONS Oakland World Trade Association Newsletter.



OXFAM AMERICA KEY CONTACT Raymond C. Offenheiser, President BRIEF DESCRIPTION Oxfam America is a nonprofit, international agency that funds self-help development projects and disaster relief in poor countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean. It also prepares and distributes educational materials for Americans on issues of development and hunger. Grants support small projects overseas which reach into villages and rural areas where local groups are working to increase food production and economic self-reliance. In the United States, Oxfam also funds development projects, conducts educational campaigns, and speaks out about public policies that affect its grassroots development work abroad. BRIEF HISTORY The name "Oxfam" comes from the Oxford Committee on Famine Relief, founded in England in 1942. Over the past five decades, Oxfam has gained a global reputation for innovative yet realistic aid to some of the poorest people of the world. Oxfam America, based in Boston, was established in 1970 and is one of seven autonomous Oxfams around the world (Montreal and Ottawa in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, and the United States). Oxfam America often collaborates with other Oxfams and other international voluntary agencies by funding specific parts of large development programs. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS Oxfam works in the rural areas of over 26 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean. It funds projects aimed at increasing the ability of low income people to produce their own food or have a secure source of income to purchase food. CURRENT PRIORITIES Although Oxfam America concentrates on funding self-help projects, aid is provided when disaster strikes'as in Bangladesh, Kampuchea (Cambodia), and Somalia. Follow-up programs are designed to promote self-reliance. In 1995 the focus is on agricultural recovery, providing seeds, tools, and livestock to help restore production. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE Supporters include colleges and schools, religious and community groups of all kinds, corporations and foundations, and individuals of all ages throughout the United States. Each year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, half a million Americans join in observing Oxfam's Fast for a World Harvest. People go without eating all or part of the day to stand with the hungry of the world, and they send their food money for Oxfam's projects overseas. During the year, Oxfam America supporters raise money for Oxfam's work by organizing walkathons, concerts, and other fundraising events. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS Oxfam strives to be at the cutting edge of new development ideas that seek to promote self-reliance, grassroots participation, and empowerment among the world's poor. Work abroad complements and strengthens Oxfam's innovative educational and outreach programs in the United States. Oxfam America has no governmental or religious affiliation; it seeks to remain efficient, creative, nonbureaucratic and independent. LEGAL STATUS: 501(c)(3). FUNDING SOURCES In its last fiscal year, Oxfam America received more than $13 million in contributions. Most came from individuals and private religious, civic and school groups. Oxfam America neither seeks nor accepts funds from any government agency. PUBLICATIONS Oxfam America News, quarterly newspaper Oxfam America Facts for Action, periodic educational papers on issues of development. Oxfam America Project Reports, details work on specific projects. Pamphlets explain Oxfam America's response to crises and a resource guide is available from this office.

PAN AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO KEY CONTACT Socorro Leal, Exec. Director PRINCIPAL OFFICERS/SENIOR STAFF Zane Gresham, President Julian Munoz, Chairman BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Pan American Society of San Francisco is a nonprofit membership organization established to further knowledge of Latin America and to develop mutual understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the Americas. The Society maintains close relations with, but is wholly independent of, the New York-based Pan American Society of the United States, Inc. A member-elected Board of Directors governs the Society's affairs. BRIEF HISTORY The Pan American Society of San Francisco was founded in 1915 by a group of local businessmen. In response to the Latin American business activities of many of its corporate and professional members, the Society's educational programs have, over the years, covered economic and political relationships between Latin America and the United States. GEOGRAPHIC/PROBLEM AREAS The Society monitors overall economic and political developments in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, especially as they affect business relationships. CURRENT PRIORITIES Keeping its members abreast of current economic events in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America remains central to the Society's agenda. PROGRAMMING The Society convenes regular luncheon meetings featuring a variety of well- informed speakers, including foreign government officials and professionals. U.S. Government officials responsible for relationships with Latin America are invited to exchange information and views with Society members. Business executives and academic leaders with experience in Latin America are also frequent participants. Occasional seminars on specific topics (e.g., "Exporting to Mexico") offer special practical information. From time to time, the Society arranges hospitality for representatives of Western Hemisphere nations visiting the Bay Area. It also sponsors a scholarship program for students of Latin American affairs studying in the Bay Area. Receptions related to the Pan American Society's sphere of interest (such as private showings at museums featuring exhibitions) are held regularly. MEMBERSHIP/TARGET AUDIENCE The Society has some 460 members, primarily business executives whose firms work in, or trade with, Latin America. Students, academics, and others with a professional interest in Latin America are also members of the Society. Individual, academic, and corporate memberships are open to all interested in the Society. Though programming is primarily for its own members, the Society frequently joins with other Bay Area agencies in presenting events to the public. PERSPECTIVE ON WORLD POLITICS The Society does not take positions on political issues. It does seek to inform its members of political and economic developments in the hemisphere, which is its overall objective. LEGAL STATUS: California 501(c)(3). ANNUAL BUDGET: $10,000 FUNDING SOURCES Membership dues and seminar fees. PUBLICATIONS Informational notices.

Updated April 1999