As a response to the United States' deteriorating relations with Cuba, theGlobal Exchange organization created The Cuba Program in 1989. The programworks on policy issues like the recently passed Helms-Burton Act and theembargo against shipments of all kinds to Cuba.

The Program organizes public information campaigns, collects humanitarianaid to send to Cuba and wages campaigns like the Freedom to TravelChallenge in an effort to undermine the U.S.-sanctioned embargo. Thechallenge was an effort to use organized civil disobedience to attack theembargo at what Cuba Program leaders consider to be its weakest points:travel and the embargo of food and medical aid.

The Cuba Program, which is funded through Global Exchange's memberdonations, foundation grants and large donors, is currently involved inaiding Cuba with sustainable development programs.(K.Q.)