In compliance with Executive Order No. 75-1 of July 7, 1975, and in accordance with articles 4 and 11 of the General Standards to Govern the Operations of the General Secretariat the present Order establishes the objectives and activities of the Department of Public Information.

1. The Director of the Department of Public Information shall be responsible to the Secretary General.

2. The Department of Public Information shall be responsible for developing and carrying out a comprehensive program of public information and public relations to project broad understanding and public support of the goals and activities of the Organization of American States.

3. The specific objectives and activities of the Department of Public Information are set forth in the Appendix to this Executive Order.

 

This Order supersedes all provisions contrary to it.

Alejandro Orfila
Secretary General

Date: Feb. 25, 1977

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

I. OBJECTIVES

1. The Department is to develop and maintain a public information program designed to:

a) Create public awareness of and interest in the programs and goals of the Organization of American States and in the member states.

b) Encourage support from those segments of the public which are instrumental in forming public opinion.

c) Facilitate information to focus public attention in the hemisphere on common issues within the framework of the Organization.

2. Implement the public information program through printed and electronic communications media, special events, meetings and lectures. Upon request provide advice and technical assistance, in the field of public information to Organs and specialized organizations of the OAS.

3. Maintain working relationships with individuals and organizations in information media and with organizations active in the formulation of public opinion, to provide adequate means for facilitating the flow of information on the Organization of American States and the member states.

II. ACTIVITIES

The activities of the Department of Public Information include the following working programs:

1. MEDIA PROGRAM

A. Press Service

- Promotes and coordinates the institutional news coverage of meetings of the General Assembly, the Councils and other organs of the OAS and their Committees, as well as other meetings and conferences organized or serviced by the General Secretariat.

- Prepares and issues communications, press releases and features for distribution to news media.

- Assists newsgathering organizations or its representatives in its coverage of inter-American topics relating to the Organization of American States, its Organs and specialized institutions.

B. Field Activities

- Directs, promotes and supervises, the operational and technical aspects of the General Secretariat's public information activities in the member states.

- Disseminates information on inter-American topics, OAS programs and activities, its Organs and specialized organizations.

- Gathers press material in the member states on projects and activities relating or of interest to the OAS, its Organs and specialized organizations.

C. Audio

- Produces and broadcasts programs on the inter-American system, related to, or of interest to the Organization of American States, its Organs, and its specialized organizations.

D. Visual

- Offers photographic services and coverage of events relating to inter-American topics.

2. EDITORIAL PROGRAM

- Produces publications on subjects relating to, or of interest to the Organization of American States.

3. PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM

- Maintains contact with cultural and educational institutions and groups interested in inter-American affairs or the Organization of American States and supplies them with pertinent information and publications.

- Organizes tours of the Main Building for tourists and groups.

- Provides speakers on OAS topics when so requested by groups or educational institutions.