Amerikas latviešu apvienība / The American Latvian Association (ALA) is the main representative organization for the Latvian American community. The American Latvian Association / Amerikas latviešu apvienība (ALA) THE AMERICAN LATVIAN ASSOCIATION (ALA) IS THE MAIN REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATION FOR THE LATVIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. THROUGH 100 MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, CHURCHES, CLUBS AND SOME 4,000 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS WE REPRESENT OVER 90,000 PEOPLE OF LATVIAN DESCENT LIVING IN THE US. WE ARE A NONPROFIT, TAX EXEMPT EDUCATIONAL AND CULTUAL ORGANIZATION. ALA SUPPORTS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND FACILITATES COOPERATION WITHIN THE LATVIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. WE PROMOTE THE STUDY OF LATVIAN LANGUAGE, HISTORY AND CULTURE. WE ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF LATVIAN SCHOOLS, BOOKS AND TEACHING MATERIALS FOR OUR CHILDREN. WE ASSIST NEWLY ARRIVED IMMIGRANTS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE USA AND WE PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN AID TO PEOPLE IN LATVIA. ALA SEEKS TO FACILITATE THE PEACEFUL AND DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT OF LATVIA BY PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FOR LATVIA THROUGH INFORMATIONAL EFFORTS IN THE USA.