The Social Network of Latin America and the Caribbean was created in 1993 as a partnership of the Social Investment Funds and other organizations that work on reducing poverty in the region. Its principal objective is to facilitate cooperation between the SIF and other programs working on the same issues. By coordinating the efforts of the various groups the Network aims to implement programs and projects that allow greater efficiency, effectiveness and equality through social action.

To achieve the established objectives the Network is endowed with an organic superstructure comprised of three substructures: the Annual Conference, The Coordinating Committee, and the Technical Secretary. The Annual Conference constitutes the highest expression of the Social Network. It is made up of the Social Funds and institutions in charge of overcoming poverty in the region. The Coordinating Committee is the executive organ for the policies and decisions of the Network. The Committee is comprised of six member institutions selected during the annual conference. The role of technical secretary is carried out by the Unit of Social Development and Education of the Organization of American States.

In the capacity of technical secretary the Unit of Social Development and Education carries out the following functions:

- The Unit collaborates with the coordinating committee on (a) the identification of opportunities for cooperation with the Organization of American States, especially with the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development; (b) the linking of the Network with political events of the OAS, particularly with the Inter-American Council on Integral Development

- The Unit supports the Coordinating Committee on the implementation of the activities laid out in the Annual Plan, including seminars, workshops, and the Annual Conference

- The unit assists the Coordinating Committee with the identification, gathering, and administration of resources for international cooperation.

- The Unit carries out specific projects according to the guidelines given by the Annual Conference and the Coordinating Committee, especially those intended to strengthen horizontal cooperation between members of the Network such as the Intra-Regional Internship Program.

- The Unit codifies and preserves the historical memory of the Network.

Executive Summary of the Evaluation of the Social Network (Spanish)

1991 - 2003: The Social Network of Latin America Latina and the Caribbean

Website of the Social Network