2023. aasta ülevaade ERKÜ presidendilt Mai-Liis Bartling
December 22, 2023
Head Uut Aastat! Happy 2024!
January 1, 2024
| Dear fellow Estonians and friends of Estonia! Each of you is a valued member of our community, and it is your generosity, involvement, and support that make Estonian culture, education, and advocacy in America more vibrant and visible than ever. As the new president of the Estonian American National Council, I am incredibly proud of the wonderful work that EANC is doing, and extremely grateful for your continuing support of Estonia and Estonian communities in the United States. Reflecting on 2023, we celebrate programs nationwide made possible by your donations. This is where EANC’s support has generated visible impacts and tangible results benefiting Estonians of all ages and backgrounds! Here is a glimpse: Estonian Culture and Heritage — Emakeelepäevad in Chicago featured training for teachers and families, programs for students; the certification course Mastery of Authentic Estonian Folk dress (Rahvarõivaste valmistamise kursus), with graduation ceremony, exhibits, workshops, and a video highlighting the coursework and cultural heritage; Estonian Cultural Days festival in NYC. Community and Arts — Estonian societies and organizations in South Florida and the Washington, DC area celebrated anniversaries and Estonian Independence Day with events supported by EANC, including the touring multisensory performance Dawn till Dusk, a fusion of contemporary dance with live music interpretations of Estonian mythology, the folklore, and archival recordings dating back to the early 20th Century; in person and virtual film festivals featuring screenings and talks with Estonian filmmakers. |
| Youth programs connecting generations – The long-running Long Island Estonian Summer Camp and the Estonian Girl Guides and Boys Scouts programs continue to connect new generations of Estonian Americans with their roots; U.S. participation in the 2023 international Estonian scouting Jamboree Pikksilm was made possible in part thanks to EANC’s grant. Estonian Houses and Cultural Hubs — EANC continues to assist in sustaining treasured community centers, such as Lakewood Estonian House and Connecticut Estonian Grounds. EANC’s 2023 Annual Meeting, Inspiration Forum, Community Celebration and Awards Dinner were held at Lakewood Estonian House, with educator Külli Rannamäe and Eesti Spordiliit USAs recognized with EANC community service awards. Expanded virtual programming – Online opportunities for all Estonians to stay connected with their roots and interests, included EANC hosting a virtual webinar featuring Estonian Ambassador Kristjan Prikk discussing Estonia’s security and current affairs, and Virtual TownHalls on timely topics such as the future of ESTO festivals, as well as proposed closing of the Consulates General in the San Francisco and New York. Support for Estonian publications and information exchange — Around the U.S. and internationally, EANC has sustained and promoted Estonian history, language, literature, and culture through financial support to publications such as Estonian World online magazine and the U.S.-Estonian newspaper Vaba Eesti Sõna. As always, your donations fund essential advocacy work and make Estonian and Baltic interests heard in Washington, DC. EANC works with our partner organizations the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) and Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) to advocate for Estonian interests and keep Congress aware of our communities, collective experience and regional security needs. Speaking with a unified voice as part of a strategic coalition is more essential than ever as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. Supporting Ukraine’s struggle against tyranny is important for us all, as the outcome will directly impact Estonian and European security and U.S. national interests as well. Estonia remains, per capita, one of the top donors to Ukraine in terms of military, economic, political, and humanitarian assistance. As Russia attempts to undermine Estonian security, the importance of official and visible Estonian representation in the United States remain crucial. Consequently, the EANC is deeply concerned by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ recent decision to close down the New York and San Francisco Consulates General. EANC has also heard the outcry of Estonians throughout the U.S., and continues to be a vigorous voice in Tallinn, appealing for a reversal of the government’s decision. Your support enables EANC´s important work to continue. |
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| With a year-end donation from you, we can continue supporting and sustaining our culture and customs, preserving and promoting our history and heritage, and impacting all of our communities in a lasting way. As we approach 2024, many exciting programs and important initiatives have already been scheduled! The winner of EANC’s Henrik Visnapuu Literature and Culture Award celebrating outstanding achievement will be announced on January 2, 2024, the anniversary of the beloved Estonian poet’s birth. The EANC is proud to provide funding support for the Grammy-Award winning vocal ensemble Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir as they embark on a tour of the eastern U.S. and Canada in February of 2024. Also with EANC funding support, The Paradox of Seabrook Farms, Helga Merits’ long-awaited, highly anticipated documentary film detailing war refugee experiences in New Jersey, will be released May, 2024. EANC will join in commemorating the 80th anniversary of 1944’s “Suurpõgenemine” (Mass Refugee Flight to the West, 1944) throughout the year, culminating with ceremonies in the U.S., Estonia, and elsewhere. Additionally, look for a virtual Inspiration Forum based on the uplifting in-person event we held in Lakewood, NJ this October, and visit our YouTube channel and website for more information and updates. |
| Let’s work together to amplify our collective voice, advance Estonia’s security, and keep Estonian language and culture vibrant and visible in America. On behalf of the entire Council, I thank you for your support. Warm wishes and happy holidays from all of us! Mai-Liis Bartling President |
| Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season |
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