What is the LNC?

The purpose and responsibilities of the LNC are encapsulated in its Constitution. It is the highest elected representative body of Latvians resident in Great Britain and, as such, it aims to protect their national and political interests, cooperating with the diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Latvia in doing so.

What does the LNC do?

One of the main original aims of the LNC was to lead the struggle for freedom of the people of Latvia and for the independence of the Republic of Latvia. Since the renewal of independence in 1991, the LNC now facilitates and supports that freedom and the continuation of independence and democracy in Latvia. Within Britain, it promotes Latvian activities and events which help maintain and develop Latvian culture, education and language. It also represents Latvians in Great Britain at the meetings of Latvian organisations of other countries and sends delegates to the conferences of national, regional and international organisations.

Who can be a member of LNC and how is the LNC elected?

All Latvians and members of their families who are 18 years or above may stand for election and take part in the voting for the Council. The elections are held every four years and the voting is by secret ballot. Nineteen members are elected and an LNC member's term of mandate is four years. 2000 is an election year.

How is the LNC managed?

The highest decision-making body of the LNC is its General Meeting, which assembles the Council members at least once per year. The General Meetings are normally open meetings. The day-to-day management of the LNC is vested in its seven-member Executive Committee. The Executive Committee comprises a Chairperson and heads of sections, who, for the last eight years have carried out duties related to: internal information, external information, culture, education, administration, finance, cultural documentation.

Section for Internal Information

Internal information in the LNC context means information for the Latvian community. Traditionally, the Heads of this Section have also been the Minutes Secretaries for the Executive Committee meetings. They have also distributed information about the LNC to the Latvian press.

Section for External Information

Over the years, and depending on shifts in the political climate, the head and co-opted members of this section have been extremely busy with the work of providing information to any non-Latvian person or organisation who requires it and counteracting Soviet propaganda as the need arises. This section actively cooperates with the External Information Division of the Latvian Welfare Fund and also with the Embassy of Latvia. The head of this section represents the LNC at the Executive Committee meetings of the Association of Latvians in Western Europe and is ex-ofilcio a member of the Council of the World Federation of Free Latvians.

Section for Culture

Over the years, the LNC has organised or sponsored a great number of cultural events, particularly concerts, literary evenings and art exhibitions. The head of the section keeps an overview of cultural activities in Britain, while also maintaining links with artists and performers in Latvia.

Section for Education

The head of section coordinates the educational activities of the Latvian community in Britain. S/he also administers the annual prizegiving for attainments in education and coordinates the competition for Latvian school children. Children's summer camps and schools, including those in Latvia that attract participants for Britain are part of the head's purview.

Section for Administration and Section for Finance

These two sections run the practical side of LNC management, advising on investment and also keeping the books of the Council, They are also actively Involved in fundraising activities.

Section for Cultural Documentation

This section was formed to keep an overview of the development of Latvian libraries in the UK and to register their holdings. It also collects all materials available about the activities of Latvians for the archive of the Latvian Documentation Centre at "Straumeni" (Catthorpe Manor). It also plays an important role as a clearing house for collecting and sending materials to libraries In Latvia.

Finances

The finances of the Council are collected from donations and testamentary bequests, income from LNC businesses, activities and events, and from interest on investments. Expenditure is on support (grants and loans) to organisations and individuals for support of Latvian activities and projects. The finances are audited annually by the LNC Audit Commission.

How can people help the LNC?

Anyone can assist the LNC by supporting the Latvian community with attendance at its social and cultural events, and, if eligible, by actively participating in LNC elections. It is also important to keep up-to-date with current events in Latvia and those affecting Latvians in Britain, and to circulate accurate information about them.

How do people get in touch with the LNC?

Members of the LNC may be contacted by writing to:

Latvian National Council in Great Britain 72 Queensborough Terrace London W2 3SH