Why I Joined?
I believe that the strongest defense for the country of Estonia comes from the support of international organizations, such as NATO, UN, and EU. I try to influence my Congressmen and Senators by writing them letters indicating my support for Estonian security. My lone voice is not very loud. When I can tell them that I represent Estonians throughout Ohio and via the Joint Baltic-American National Committee also express the views of Latvian and Lithuanian constituents, my voice is amplified.
Attending the EANC meeting in St. Petersburg, FL gave me the opportunity to talk with the Estonian Ambassador, Lauri Lepik. He indicated that the biggest foreigh policy concern he had was that there were no American military in the Baltic countries at this time. NATO security for the Baltics is being handled by our European allies and he felt that an American presence would strengthen that security. This is the message I want to convey to my elected representatives.
There are only about 250 Estonians in Ohio, but there are thousands of Latvians and tens of thousands of Lithuanians in my state. These numbers add up and my representatives are more likely to listen more closely to a voice that speaks for many. Being a member of the Estonian American National Council has allowed me to speak up for my homeland in a way that is heard by politicians and I value that. I also have standing to write to Congressmen outside of my district, due to my membership in EANC.