wfn.org | AFSC: AFSC International Director Will Retire

[RByler@afsc.org]

For Immediate Release
February 28, 1997
Contact: 	
Aishah Shahidah Simmons 215/241-7056
Ron Byler 215/241-7060

Corinne B. Johnson Will Retire As International Director 
of the American Friends Service Committee

PHILADELPHIA - Corinne B. Johnson, director of the International Division of
the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), is retiring after 30 years of
service with AFSC.  She assumed her present position as director of AFSC's
international programs in 1979.
	"Because of Corinne's leadership, AFSC's international programs are known
for consistency, for ethical implementation, and for 'being there' until
self-direction is solid," said Kara Newell, executive director of AFSC.
Newell noted that Johnson has maintained AFSC's long-standing policy of
meeting real needs by identifying root causes and seeking long-term solutions. 
	AFSC, a Quaker US-based peace and justice organization, now has
international programs in 29 countries in Latin America, Africa, Eastern
Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  AFSC international work also includes a
material aids program, and the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in New
York which is administered on behalf of the world community of Friends.
Quaker International Affairs Representatives work in troubled regions of the
world to further the cause of peace, justice, and reconciliation.
	Johnson first joined AFSC staff in 1957 and held administrative positions
with student seminars, Quaker International Centers and refugee programs
overseas until 1960.  From 1968 to 1969, she served as assistant director of
the AFSC Overseas Refugee Program, and from 1969 to 1972 she was associate
director of the Family Planning and Population Education Program.  Johnson
served as director of AFSC's Latin America Programs from 1972 until 1979.
	Johnson's style of leadership has been appreciated at all levels of the
organization.  For example, at AFSC's Cross-Africa Seminar in Bamako, Mali,
in March 1996, African staff thanked her for "AFSC's tireless efforts in
working for a more just, equitable, and humanitarian world," noting that
"AFSC is the only non-governmental organization in our countries which has
African staff as directors of its local programs."
	One of the guiding principles behind AFSC's international work is that AFSC
tries to help communities learn how to help themselves.  AFSC's aim is to
develop projects so that they eventually become financially independent of
AFSC.  We count the act of devolvement as a measure of success.  
-30-
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace
and humanitarian service.  Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the
worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence
and injustice.

J.Ron Byler
Director of Media Relations
American Friends Service Committee
PH: 215/241-7060
FAX: 215/241-7275
E-MAIL: RByler@afsc.org
http://www.afsc.org