The EANC strategy committee was formed at the September meeting of the Council to review and update EANC activities to meet current needs. The distribution of a questionnaire among Estonian-Americans and the search for best practices in other nationality organizations are on the agenda for the current activity year.
Initially, the questionnaire is being tested at selected localities. Arne Kalm discussesd the basis for the questionnaire at a meeting of the Los Angeles Seniors Club and collected filled-out questionnaires. Scoring on a five-point system indicated strong support for EANC political activities, and less enthusiasm for financial support to local organizations to maintain real estate assets.
Kersti Linask conducted a discussion group in South Florida, where the questionnaire was dissected and verbal comments aired. South Florida respondents suggested a more narrowly focused set of activities, and endorsed informative mailings in the English language.
Jaak Rakfeldt presented the questionnaire at the annual meeting of the Connecticut Estonian Society in late March. Results of the survey are expected shortly.
The committee plans to finalize the questionnaire by the summer of 2011 and circulate it, both by mail and electronic means. The use of a “snowball” methodology, where each responder is also asked to persuade a family member or friend to complete the questionnaire, is also planned.
Results of the findings will be compiled and a summary presented at the September meeting of the Council in Washington, DC.
The best practices portion of the committee’s agenda is currently in the hands of a student group at George Washington University under the direction of Siret Kork. Later, individual interviews will be conducted by committee members with knowledgeable leaders of other nationality groups to gather further data.
The results of this work will also be available by September, along with recommendations for modifications in the priority of EANC activities. Painful questions which await answers include ways to increase financial support for EANC, methods for the establishment of a paid staff headquarters, creation of a quarterly newsletter and expansion of the current contribution-based entity to a membership-based umbrella organization, where both individuals and local organizations bear the financial burden of maintaining EANC.
EANC is open to constructive suggestions for its future activity from all Estonian-Americans. EANC is a vibrant organization, which attempts to unite under a big tent all those living in America who have an abiding and heart-felt interest in Estonian affairs and heritage.
Arne Kalm
Board member, chairman of strategy committee
