Call for Candidates to the XXIV Estonian American National COuncil

Applications are now being accepted for candidacy to the XXIV Estonian American National Council.

The Estonian American National Council (EANC / Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides, ERKÜ) is a nationally elected body of volunteers, and its strength comes from the participation and engagement of our community.

If you are an Estonian American interested in sharing your experience, representing your fellow Estonian Americans, and making a meaningful impact, consider a run for the Estonian American National Council (Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides, ERKÜ).

Eligible candidates must be Estonian by descent, or a family member of such an individual, or a resident member of the Estonian American community through family relations. Eligible candidates must be legal residents of the United States and must be at least 21 years old.

Application forms, instructions and further information can be obtained from the EANC website, www.estosite.org; from the Election Committee co-chairs Lya Karm and Maria Pedak-Kari (EANC2026election@estosite.org), or by writing to EANC at erku@estosite.org.

Council members come from across the United States and represent many generations and walks of life within the Estonian diaspora. We believe the Council is strongest when it reflects this diversity of perspectives—across geography, generations, professions, and experiences—because each voice contributes to the shared goal of serving the Estonian American community.
Since 1952, the Council has worked to help preserve Estonian heritage, strengthen cultural ties and support the Estonian community in the United States, and to advocate for the interests of Estonian Americans and a free and secure, democratic Estonia.

Serving on the Council is an opportunity to contribute your ideas, experience, and energy to the future of our community. We encourage members of the Estonian American community to consider becoming candidates and helping shape the next chapter of this work.

Council members are elected for a four-year term. Council size may vary from 20 – 50 members, depending on the number of candidates. The Council meets at least once a year, usually in Fall, to review past activities and to vote on the upcoming year’s budget and activity plan. Council members are invited to serve on a number of committees or initiatives during their term.

The Council’s mission is to help preserve, support, and promote Estonian cultural heritage; to foster ties with and to represent the interests of Estonian Americans and their organizations; and to stand for Estonian American interests and those of a democratic and free Estonia.