NCPAS
NCPAS
promoted a series of "people to people" exchanges
and "campaign technology" training seminars as part of pro-democracy effort for
young political leaders from Latin America and the United States.
During that period Mr. Quinn travelled to Central America several times,
during which time he also conducted in-person interviews with activists and candidates
from several different political parties, including candidates for President of El Salvador
- during a very turbulent period of history for Central America (1983-1984)
NCPAS became a special division of
Leadership Foundation
a 501(c)3 entity founded by Martha Rountree,
Peabody Award winning co-founder
and producer of "Meet the Press".
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Food for Thought
About Martha
Ms. Rountree was Joe Quinn's mentor in a way that she gave a free hand as well as sound advice and a
"roof" to develop and implement the NCPAS program, for as long as it lasted (while based in Washington DC during the early 1980's).
During the period when the NCPAS exchange program was in full swing, Panch Lainez had the
opportunity to meet Martha Rountree in person at the headquarters for Leadership Foundation, just outside the nations capital, in Cabin John, MD.
Read more about her life.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Rountree
Read more about her Peabody Award,
and Meet the Press.
https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/meet-the-press1
"Co-produced by Martha Rountree and Lawrence E. Spivak, the television version of Meet the Press is an adaptation of a radio program begun in 1945 and awarded a Peabody Citation in 1946. Adding the visual to the auditory extends and strengthens the values of Meet the Press in public enlightenment. Subjecting the great and near great to expert questioning by the best reporters, this excellent program makes news as well as reports it. It is in the best tradition of a basic relationship between a free press and democracy."
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Public Diplomacy
A bipartisan effort -
The NCPAS program received letters of support from the Chairmen of both the DNC
(Democratic National Committee) and the RNC (Republican National Committee).
Prior to starting NCPAS, Mr. Quinn worked in several capacities on Capitol Hill in Washington DC including serving as
National Advanceman, director for campaign technology training programs held on college campuses
across the United States.
NCPAS was a member of the UN IYY Commission.
The NCPAS program was 100% privately funded, and received no government money.
Early 1980's
During that period Mr. Quinn was a private sector
member of the White House Working Group
on Central America.
One of the unforgettable events of that time, included providing an in-person briefing on NCPAS activities
to NSC staff including Walt Raymond, the key person in charge of all US Public Diplomacy.
The White House outreach working group on Central America (WHWGOCA) held weekly
meetings in Rm. 450 OEOB - Old Executive Office Building, part of the White House complex
(now called the Dwight D. Eisenhower Building.)
The White House Central America Working Group
was started by Ambassador Faith Whittlesey in 1983.
Amb. Whittlesey has written several bookings on her days working for Pres. Reagan, including
Backwards, in High Heels: Faith Whittlesey, Ronald Reagan's "Madam Ambassador" in Switzerland and the West Wing.
Archived Material and Current Activities
Some docs and memorabilia from those days (early 1980's) have been posted online,
password protected for invited guests. Other docs from a FOIA request related to the WH working group and NCPAS, remain classified or heavily redacted
(see here).
Information regarding Mr. Quinn's informal exchanges can be seen on the QCS Quinn Corporate Services site.
Read more about the
Community of Democracies
[founded by
Walt Raymond / see: Reagan Library collection]
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