1020 16th Street, NW Suite 200

Washington, DC 20036

Dear Friend of Bulgaria:

The people of Bulgaria urgently need our help. Their task is formidable. After long years of communist rule and government-run economy, the people are slowly changing to a system based on democratic institutions and market principles in which everyone can participate.

The highly-politicized schools and universities of past decades are being transformed into places of learning which encourage independent and original thought. The students at the American University in Bulgaria, for example, excel in their studies and would be a credit to any university in the United States.

The Bulgarian people are trying to change and better their lives. But change doesn't just happen. It must be encouraged and nurtured and supported if it is to survive.

Your help is needed -- NOW.

As you know, generations of Bulgarians have been cut off from a world we take for granted.

• Many of the new entrepreneurs lack the knowledge to make them competitive on the world market.
• Computer technology is primitive by Western standards despite high
• levels of computer sophistication by many Bulgarians.
• Basic textbooks and professional journals in many disciplines such as science, medicine, accounting, business, economics, engineering, law and the humanities are unavailable.

The Bulgarian-American Society raises money only to support the humanitarian, educational and cultural needs of the Bulgarian people, and to promote democracy and market economics. In the past, we have sponsored and organized a conference for business and government officials on the economic situation in Bulgaria; we have helped Bulgarian students find funding for study in the United States, and have introduced Bulgarian artists and musicians to American audiences. We are encouraging American firms to meet in Bulgaria and support Bulgarian aspirations to join NATO.

Our most recent efforts have been devoted to seeking help for those who were caught in the dual misery of hyperinflation and a bitterly frigid winter.

New projects include assisting Bulgarian non-governmental organizations make contact with their counterparts in the United States to exchange ideas and information about common goals and directions. If you can be of help in this project, please let us know.

The Board of Directors of the Bulgarian-American Society is composed of individuals with backgrounds and interests in law, business, education and diplomacy. They receive no compensation of any kind. Our current co-chairmen are former U.S. ambassadors to Bulgaria, and two other former U.S. ambassadors to Bulgaria also serve on the Board.

Please take a few minutes to reflect on the challenges facing the Bulgarian people as they work to forge a democratic nation. Join with us to help them overcome the legacy of decades of repression.

The Society has a 501 (c) 3 status, and all contributions are tax deductible. Checks may be made payable to BAS, and sent to 1020 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.

Name           ____________________________________________________________

Address        ____________________________________________________________

City and State ____________________________________________________________

Benefactor               : $5,000
Patron                   : $1,000
Pacesetter               : $  500
Sponsor                  : $  100 
Supporter                : $   35-99
Annual membership        : $   35
Annual student membership: $   10

Further information may be obtained by calling (301) 229-7509. Members will be kept informed of the Society’s activities by frequent articles published in the on-line newsletter. members will also be invited to participate in Society events - meetings with visiting Bulgarian officials, cultural events, etc.

Through both personal contacts and through the Internet, the Society seeks to establish contacts with organizations and individuals interested in Bulgaria throughout North America.

Thank you for your interest and concern.