I know that you are as committed to nonpartisan dialogue, inclusivity, civility, and global engagement as we are—this is what differentiates Pacific Council members.

You understand the increased resonance of timeless American values and virtues in an era of polarization. And you are looking for content that explains and interprets, and does not preach nor seek to convert. That is why the Pacific Council produces thoughtful programming, publishes informed commentary, and fosters a strong community that is dedicated to healthy debate and global impact.

In 2020, the Pacific Council wants to increase this impact and ensure that the next generation of global leaders understands the importance of international engagement.

Please consider supporting our annual giving campaign: Pay It Forward. Each year we dedicate this drive to elevating underrepresented voices in foreign affairs, and now I ask that you consider making an end-of-year gift to our Pay It Forward Annual Giving campaign. 

This annual fundraising effort supports our work to build a network of tomorrow’s thought leaders to provide them access to what we offer here at the Pacific Council.

In 2019, we have made considerable progress in our efforts to do just that, thanks to the generous contributions of Pay It Forward donors in previous years. This year alone, we:

• Hosted two delegations for Emerging Leaders: an international dialogue in Colombia and a national trip to Washington, D.C., focused on Middle East policy. Thirty-five Emerging Leaders joined us on these important trips;
• Launched an institutional partnership with the Los Angeles Mayor's Young Ambassador Program and sponsored membership for two community college students, who also joined our Colombia delegation;
• Subsidized the dues of 130 Emerging Leaders;
• Elected 73 new Emerging Leaders into membership;
• Introduced peer networking events with like-minded international affairs organizations to further our members’ professional development;
• Welcomed 222 new members to the Pacific Council, nearly half of them women;
• And started working with local education partners like Ednovate, a charter school network, to close the gap between international policy and Los Angeles classrooms. 

In addition to these efforts, we have launched a partnership with the Leadership Council for Women in National Security, an important new initiative to propel women to leadership roles in national security. Our Mexico Initiative, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and partners in Mexico City, has piloted MEXLA, a commission of leaders from Los Angeles and Mexico who are strengthening cross-border cooperation.

This year, members and staff banded together to pick up trash on the beach in Santa Monica with Heal the Bay. Their teamwork resulted in more than 3,200 pieces of trash removed from the California coastline, a local gesture with global effects on our environment. Our Guantánamo Bay Observer Program, now in its sixth year, sent more lawyers and legal experts to observe the proceedings at GTMO than ever before, with nearly 20 trips throughout the year.

The Pacific Council on International Policy is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, and it is a time of appreciation for the community that we have built and for the impact that our work has had on Angelenos and on global policy.

The Pacific Council’s work helps to foster a global Los Angeles. We believe in an informed citizenry committed to global engagement for all. Through subnational diplomacy, community involvement, leadership development, and the highest quality programming, the Pacific Council is having an impact in Los Angeles and beyond.  

As we near the end of 2019, I am taking a moment to reflect on the year behind us, and to consider the one in front of us. The Pacific Council on International Policy is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, and it is a time of appreciation for the community that we have built and for the impact that our work has had on Angelenos and on global policy. I am pleased to count you as one of our members, and we hope you will continue to support the future of our work—together.

My best wishes for 2020 and beyond.

_______________________

Dr. Jerrold D. Green is the president and CEO of the Pacific Council on International Policy.

Learn more about our Pay It Forward Annual Giving campaign.