This study examines the perceptions of 22 national Hispanic American leaders about poverty among Hispanics. Eleven of the leaders were Mexican American; five were Puerto Rican; four were Cuban American; one was Central American; and one was South American. Twelve of the leaders were heads of public interest organizations; six were members of Congress; two headed unions; and two were volunteer directors of national Hispanic organizations. Six of the leaders were women; 17 were men. The following summary findings are reported: (1) most believed that Hispanic poverty is growing; (2) about half believed that the nature of Hispanic poverty had changed over time; (3) about half did not consider "persistent poverty" or the "underclass" to require special attention; (4) a wide range of causes for poverty among Hispanics were identified; (5) half did not consider Hispanic poverty to be different from poverty among other groups; (6) civil rights and education were the two areas in which the leaders have seen the most improvement for low-income Hispanics; (7) half felt that education is the top public policy priority; and (8) education, social programs, political and self-help organizing, and more equitable taxation were cited as promising strategies to improve poverty conditions. The following conclusions are reported: (1) the issues of importance to these leaders sometimes parallel other national issues, but often with different emphases; (2) these leaders blend a range of strategies in their approach to poverty; (3) many of these leaders identified special challenges facing Hispanic women; and (4) Hispanic institutions can serve an important role in improving the lives of low-income Hispanics. Statistical data are presented in nine graphs and seven tables. The interview questionnaire and an 11-item bibliography are appended. (FMW)