| Latvian
National Council |
 |
Latviešu
Nacionālā Padome |
| IN GREAT BRITAIN | LIELBRITANIJĀ | |
| 72 Queensborough Terrace, London W2
3SH Tel: 0116 271 5470 - Fax: 0116 271 9411 |
||
| Latvian
National Council |
|
Latviešu
Nacionālā Padome |
| IN GREAT BRITAIN | LIELBRITANIJĀ | |
| 72 Queensborough Terrace, London W2
3SH Tel: 0116 271 5470 - Fax: 0116 271 9411 |
||
.
Who can be a member of LNPL and how is the LNPL elected?
Section for Internal Information
Section for External Information
Section for Administration and Section for Finance
.
Presentations at the AGM 2008
What is the LNPL?
The purpose and responsibilities of the LNPL 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 LNPL do?
One of the main original aims of the LNPL 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 LNPL 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 LNPL and how is the LNPL 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 LNPL members term of mandate is four years. 2000 was an election year.
How is the LNPL managed?
The highest decision-making body of the LNPL 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 LNPL 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 LNPL 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 LNPL 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 LNPL at the Executive Committee meetings of the Association of Latvians in Western Europe and is ex-officio a member of the Council of the World Federation of Free Latvians.
Section for Culture
Over the years, the LNPL 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. They also administer 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 scope of operation.Section for Administration and Section for Finance
These two sections run the practical side of LNPL management, advising on investment and also keeping the books of the Council. They are also actively involved in fundraising activities.
Secton 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 LNPL 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 LNPL Audit Commission.How can people help the LNPL?
Anyone can assist the LNPL by supporting the Latvian community with attendance at its social and cultural events, and, if eligible, by actively participating in LNPL 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 LNPL?
Members of the LNPL may be contacted by writing to:
Latvian National Council in Great Britain
72 Queensborough Terrace
London
W2 3SH