The Estonian American National Council (EANC) welcomed its newly elected XXIV Council to Washington, D.C., November 6–8, for a dynamic weekend of advocacy, community engagement, and productive meetings marking the start of its four-year term.

The weekend began on Friday, November 6, with an Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where Council members, Estonian Honorary Consuls, and members of EANC’s Young Estonians Advisory Group joined in meetings with congressional offices to raise awareness of Estonia, Baltic security, and the interests and priorities of Estonian Americans.

Over the following two days, the newly seated Council held energetic, fast-paced working sessions, exchanging ideas, setting priorities, and laying the groundwork for the years ahead. During the working sessions, the Council also elected its new Executive Board, re-electing Mai-Liis Bartling as President. Joining her on the EANC Board are Kristi Vuht Allpere, Aarne Elias, Leif Fritzell, Kristel Imeraj, Gilda Karu, Caroli Leiman, Maia Linask, Silvi Pirn, Marju Rink-Abel, Andres Simonson, Alan Tomson ja Marianne Torm.

“This weekend was a wonderful reminder of what brings us together: our love for Estonia and our commitment to the Estonian American community,” said EANC President Mai-Liis Bartling. “We bring different experiences, perspectives, and ideas to the table, but share a common purpose. I am excited by the energy of this new Council and confident in what we can accomplish together.“ 

Members of EANC’s Young Estonians Advisory group (YEA!) brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the weekend. Their reports to the Council were inspiring, thoughtful, and forward-looking, reflecting a positive, engaged approach to issues both large and small.

On Saturday, November 7, EANC hosted its public symposium, Securing Estonia’s Future: All Hands on Deck, bringing together approximately 110 Estonians, experts, advocates, and friends of Estonia, the Baltics, and Ukraine. The program featured a fireside chat with H.E. Hannes Hanso, Estonia’s Ambassador to the United States, facilitated by EANC Vice President Maia Linask, followed by a panel discussion exploring Baltic security, transatlantic cooperation, and the role of communities in shaping a stronger future. The symposium was organizated in collaboration with the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC).

The symposium was followed by a community reception, offering speakers, Council members, and guests an opportunity to connect and continue conversations. The reception featured a lively and moving performance by the Baltimore-Washington Estonian Singers (BWES) and two special exhibits: Free Winds, presented by Vabamu and curated by Lisa Trei, and an exhibit celebrating Estonia’s choral traditions, presented by Kristi and Aadu Allpere. BWES and Free Winds have also been beneficiaries of EANC grants.

The weekend also provided opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Estonia. On Friday morning, Marti Mätas, Estonia’s Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora, met with EANC President Mai-Liis Bartling and Executive Director Leelo Linask to discuss Estonian American community concerns, shared goals, and opportunities for collaboration. He also joined and addressed the Council during Saturday’s meeting, offering an overview of the priorities, initiatives, and future directions of Estonia’s global diaspora engagement, including the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in supporting Estonian communities abroad.

Throughout the weekend, discussions and activities reflected EANC’s unique dual mission: to foster, promote and strengthen Estonian culture and community in the U.S., and to advocate for Estonian American interests, including a secure, free, and democratic Estonia.

With renewed energy, shared purpose, and a strong commitment to Estonia and the Estonian American community, EANC’s XXIV Council looks forward to building on its legacy while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the next four years.

Contact: Leelo Linask, executive director: erku@estosite.org