Where do we go from here?
It's been a privilege and a lot of fun to have been involved in the variety of events and activities of the Edmonton Estonian Society (EES) over the past 15 years. We've convened traditional functions such as the Independence Day Celebrations, the Midsummer Festivals and Christmas Parties. A special event was the visit to Alberta by President Lennart Meri. Two significant and highly successful events, province-wide in both scope and participation, were convened in Stettler and Gilby in 1999 and 2001, respectively, to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the arrival of the first Estonian settlers in Canada as well as their achievements in their adopted country.
We've enjoyed meeting and working with many members of the Edmonton and Alberta Estonian communities. Your interest and enthusiasm in the celebration of our ethnic roots, culture and customs have been exceptional. Collectively, we've rekindled our interest in our heritage and felt pride in our achievements.
The EES paid-up membership approaches 50 but we maintain a mailing list of about 80. Attendance at most events ranges from 40-60 members and friends, which we consider quite high and supportive of our aims. Membership has remained fairly constant in recent years, although we've gained some new participants from central Alberta and Calgary. The number of Estonian-speaking individuals continues to dwindle.
Given this scenario, it seems timely that we consider future directions. While attendance at Society-sponsored events is high, we are not attracting enough volunteers to the EES Executive, to carry out planning for the present level of activity. As with any organization, willingness of our members to contribute their talent and time determines the health of the Society.
We suggest that we address the future of the Society at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) towards the end of January, 2003. It is therefore important that all of you have an opportunity to provide comments and suggestions to guide future directions and activities. Hopefully, you will attend the AGM, join in the discussion, and volunteer your help. You also have an opportunity to give us your feedback by completing the "Member Opinion Survey" being distributed with Ajakaja.
Your comments and suggestions will help us decide what type and what level of activity will best meet the goals of the EES.
The Edmonton Estonian Society is your organization. Hopefully, it can continue to foster an awareness of Estonian culture, customs and traditions in the years to come.
Dave Kiil
Eda McClung
