The Latin America Working Group is one of the nation's longest standing coalitions dedicated to foreign policy. The Latin America Working Group and its sister organization, the Latin America Working Group Education Fund, carry out the coalition's mission to encourage U.S. policies towards Latin America that promote human rights, justice, peace and sustainable development. LAWG promotes the interests of over 60 major religious, humanitarian, grassroots and policy organizations to decision makers in Washington. We are a trusted voice in Congress, and provide guidance to policymakers who want their decisions to be grounded in human rights.

Achievements. Founded in 1983, LAWG was a major player in opposing the U.S. role in Central American wars of that decade, and in supporting the negotiated peace settlements that took hold in the region by the 1990s. Since then, LAWG has gained U.S. support for peace accord implementation aid, over a billion dollars in disaster relief, and the declassification of U.S. documents that shed light on human rights abuses in Latin America and U.S. policy. We have helped to ease restrictions on the sale of food and medicine to Cuba and have helped to change the balance of U.S. aid to Colombia, decreasing military aid and increasing aid for development and for victims of violence.

Organizational Structure. The LAWG, a 501 (c) 4 nonprofit, carries out advocacy and grassroots education. The Latin America Working Group Education Fund (LAWGEF), a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, was established in 2002 to carry out the coalition's educational activities. The Latin America Working Group Education Fund organizes briefings, forums and other public events and coordinates visits by Latin American civil society leaders. The LAWGEF also provides information to the press and publishes reports on Latin American issues and related U.S. policy.

Bringing Partners Together

The LAWG's unique role is as coordinator, implementer, and catalyst. We bring partners together to plan and implement effective strategies to influence the policy debate.  Please click here for a list of organizations currently participating in the LAWG coalition.

LAWG also provides critical information to activists across the United States to expand the role that U.S. citizens play in debating U.S. foreign policy. Click here to sign up for e-mail alerts and the e-Advocate newsletter.

Our relationships on Capitol Hill help open doors for Latin American civil society activists and allow them to contribute firsthand perspectives to U.S. policy debates. LAWGEF helps to provide international support for local human rights workers in the region. Our collaboration with human rights networks throughout the region helps to ensure our work reflects the needs of Latin American partners and the values of coalition members.