L.A.S.C.
L.A.S.C.
LatÃn American Solidarity Committee
4120 Michigan Union
Ann Arbor MI 48109
665-8438
Statement of Purpose
LASC is a nonprofit group dedIcated to supporting the legitimate aspirations of Latin American peoples to self-determination. Our goals are to increase awareness here about contemporary realities in Latin America and the U.S. role in perpetuating these, and to pressure our government to change its military, political, and economic policies toward Latin America.
Meeting and Membership
We meet every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in the Michigan Union. Stop at the information desk for the room location. Occasionally we will meet nearby when rooms in the Union are unavailable - in this case the information desk at the Union will tell you the building and room number. The latest information on meetings and events can also be obtained by calling the LASC office at 665-8438. The office is normally staffed from 12-2 on weekdays, and messages can be left on the answering machine at all other times.
Our members are students, faculty, staff , and members of the Ann Arbor community . Weekly meetings attract about 60-1 00 members. Sometimes we break up into discussion groups, since these are large meetings. It's a friendly group and a good number of members often go out for beer after the meetings.
Organizational Structure
LASC has four main committees: Fundraising, publicity, newsletter, and outreach. Most of the work gets done in these committees or in temporary groups that form around particular events. So it's easy to get involved even if you can't make the Wednesday night meetings.
There is also a steering committee of five members, elected for staggered four month terms. They are responsible for making sure that things get done and making decisions that must be made between meetings. LASC is a very democratic organization, and since the steering committee has very little power, there are no power struggles or factions. Differences of opinion arise but most decisions end up being made by a consensus or something very close to it.
Community Services
LASC sponsors educational events such as films and speakers. Our outreach committee also sends people to University or high school classes or any place else we're invited to talk about the issues. Our newsletter, La Palabra, is sent to about 800 subscribers and contains a summary of local activity, upcoming events, and some national and international news.
We also organize public demonstrations, such as the recent protest at our U.S. Representative Carl Pursell's office, in which 118 people were arrested for acts of non-violent civil disobedience (see article in this issue of Agenda.)
Coming Events
On Friday, April 4th, LASC encourages everyone to participate in the Freedom March, beginning at 10:30 AM in the DIAG. Cali for more information.
On Friday, April 4th, Margaret Randall, feminist, poet, and writer will give a talk entitled: "Cuban and Nicaraguan Women", at 8 PM in the Michigan Union Ballroom.