1. Organization of American States (OAS)
By Megan Hussey

2. What is the OAS?
Organization of 35 nations from North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean
World’s oldest regional organization
Four main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development

3. Documents Charter of the OAS was signed by original 21 members in 1948
Organization of American States was officially created under the signing of the charter

4. Age of Organization Created in 1948 (turning 64 years old) Revisions:
Since Cold War ended, OAS has put more emphasis on democracy & human rights
Inter-American Democratic Charter
was adopted in 2001 to promote democracy

5. Purpose
Keep independence of member states while promoting cooperative action in economic, social, and cultural development and speeding the process of economic integration

6. Goals Increase peace & security of continent
Prevent conflicts & encourage peaceful settlement of disputes between member states
Promote democracy
Limit poverty
Find solutions for political & economic problems

7. Membership 35 countries currently belong to the OAS
Original 21 member states signed the Charter of the OAS in 1948
14 member states have since joined
All members have ratified the Charter of the OAS

8. Leadership General Secretariat Secretary General: José Miguel Insulza
Chief of Staff of the Secretary General: Hugo de Zela
Assistant Secretary General: Albert R. Ramdin
Chief of Staff of the Assistant Secretary General: Carmen Lucía de la Pava
Permanent Representatives to the OAS
Chair of the Permanent Council: Duly Brutus
Vice Chair of the Permanent Council : Allan Culham

9. Advantages of Membership
Has helped ensure fair and free elections in Latin America
Promotes educational programs throughout the Americas
Has numerous affiliated organizations

10. Disadvantages of Membership
Since the OAS was created, it has been dominated by the United States
During the Cold War Era, the main concern of the OAS was to limit communist influence on western hemisphere
The United States violated the Charter of the OAS, which states that no state can intervene on the affairs of another state

11. International Impact Mexico Has been a member of the OAS since 1948
In October 2011, Mexico’s Supreme Court and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, a part of the OAS, signed an agreement where all Mexican federal judges on will receive training concerning human rights

12. Works Cited
Hastedt, Glenn. "Organization of American States (OAS)." Encyclopedia of American Foreign Policy. New York: Facts On File, Inc., American History Online. Facts On File, Inc.
Schroeder, Michael J. "Organization of American States (OAS)." In Ackermann, Marsha E., Michael Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters, eds. Encyclopedia of World History: The Contemporary World, 1950 to the Present, vol. 6. New York: Facts On File, Inc., Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc.  
Organization of American States. Web. 21 Mar <