Advocacy
Make your voice count
How can we make sure issues that impact Estonian security get the attention they need in Washington? EANC and the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) are working in step on the Hill in 2022, and your efforts along with parallel grassroots support would bolster our efforts. There are many ways to get started!
On this 18th anniversary year of NATO membership for Estonia, the world is again a changed place, and the security situation in Europe and the democratic free world seems ever more complicated. As Estonia are strong and dedicated members in NATO and the European Union, we know how important it is to stand strong with our partners and allies. The same goes for the Estonian American community in the U.S. - Together we are stronger! There are a number of ways you can contact your Members of Congress (MoC). Letters, e-mails and phone calls are the most common. Several articles have been published recently indicating that phone calls to Congressional offices have more impact than written correspondence. Voicing your issues in person – by visiting your MoC’s local office or attending any town hall meetings they host – can also get their attention, especially if you can get a group together. You can look up your representatives and find links to their websites with local office information at whoismyrepresentative.com.
If you’re unsure of what to say, EANC and JBANC have drafted sample letters for you to use as a guide. You may use the text in letters, e-mails or as talking points. Some suggest that personal stories stand out more than scripted statements, but it’s up to you to do what works best for your situation and comfort level.
One top EANC goal is to increase membership of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus (SBFC) and the House Baltic Caucus (HBC). While neither caucus meets formally, by joining MoCs pledge to support Baltic security and NATO unity. The purpose of the caucuses is to maintain strong relationships with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; promote democratic principles and human rights; assist in strengthening free market economies in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania; and work to support legislation bolstering the defense of the Baltic countries. Look for templates in Karin Shuey's blog "What's Happening in DC" for your use in asking your MoCs to join.
EANC welcomes your local efforts to further causes that support Estonian security and European unity. We are working in a dynamic environment and action on multiple levels is certainly more effective. If you have any questions about what you can do, please contact us and also check out the website of our partner JBANC, www.jbanc.org.
