[1] The Washington Office on Latin America aims to facilitate dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors, to monitor the impact of U.S. foreign policy on human rights, democracy and equitable development in Latin America, and to promote alternatives through reporting and advocacy.

It reports on these activities in order to inform and educate policy-makers, religious and non-governmental organizations, and the general public about that impact.

[3] In its early years, some of WOLA's contacts were priests and nuns who lived in Latin America and bore witness to the events there.

It facilitates communications and helps to sponsor visits from Latin Americans with expertise and experiences in human rights.

[citation needed] In 1975, WOLA acted as advisors for congressional staff for the drafting of the first major legislation that put conditions on U.S. military aid abroad regarding human-rights practices.