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The information on this page was updated May 2, 2006.
DV – Statement of purpose
The Latvian Welfare Association Daugavas Vanagi (DV)
is a not-for-profit non-governmental membership organization devoted to:
- Calling
together all Latvians throughout the World to preserve a unified Latvian
community;
- Nurturing
among Latvians a heroic spirit and moral bearing;
- Assisting
Latvians in need;
- Supporting
and promoting Latvian culture, education, and youth development;
- Defending
Latvia’s independence and liberty;
- Strengthening
faith in the Latvian state, its democratic institutions, human rights and
freedom;
- Honoring
all soldiers who fought on behalf of Latvia’s freedom and independence;
- Working
with people of all nations to advance common interests and goals.
DV – Membership
Membership in the DV is open to all who support the DV’s
aims and activities. Active members, who have voting rights in local DV chapter
annual meetings and in other elections as specified in the by-laws, are those
18 years of age and older. DV members may also be in one or more of the
following categories: “Vanadzçni” – below age 16; DV Youth – ages 16 to 30; and
Active members – 18 and older. Women are also members of the “Vanadzes”. After
submitting a DV membership application, potential members are admitted after
being approved by their local DV chapter board with a 2/3-majority vote.
DV - Organizational structure
The Daugavas Vanagi organization is based on local Daugavas
Vanagi (DV) chapters and groups located where Latvians live in the United
States of America, Canada, Australia, South America, Western Europe and in
Latvia itself. The DV chapters in each nation are united in countrywide DV
organizations. In the United States this is the Daugavas Vanagi, USA
(DV-USA). The various DV countrywide organizations are united in the worldwide
DV Central organization. The Daugavas Vanadzes (women’s auxiliary) is
also based on local chapters that work with local DV chapters. The Vanadzes
have their own national and worldwide organizations. Together, the Daugavas
Vanagi and the Vanadzes comprise the DV community.
Each year the DV chapters in the USA choose delegates to the
annual Delegates Meeting, which is held in April or May. The Delegates Meeting
elects the national board and officers of the DV-USA. The national board is
composed of the president, secretary, treasurer and division heads. There are
divisions for charitable work, culture, ideology, information, membership,
sports, women’s auxiliary, and youth. Various Commissions work with the
National board.
DV - Events and activities
The local DV chapters and groups organize various activities
for the benefit of their members and their local communities. These may include
concerts, poetry readings, lectures, video showings, theater performances,
field trips, exhibits, bazaars, and sports events. There are also
commemorative, holiday, membership, fundraising & other gatherings. Some
chapters sponsor theater troops, folk dance groups, Boy Scout and Girl Guide
units, sing along groups and libraries.
DV - Charitable work
The DV USA and every local DV chapter & group provide
various forms of support and assistance to needy people in Latvia and in all
countries where the DV is active. Among those receiving this assistance are the
elderly, the sick, the disabled, large families and orphans. Special attention
is given to Latvian war veterans and their families. Support is also given to
hospitals, children’s homes and other charitable funds.
DV - Support for culture, education
and youth
The DV USA and every local DV chapter & group support
Latvian culture, education and youth development. Support is given to: Latvian
schools (in Latvia and in other countries); summer high schools; educational
stipends; and summer camps.
DV - Educating the world public about
historical issues
In the view of the DV, people all over the world must know
and respect the truth about Latvia’s history, especially about events during
the periods of Soviet and Nazi occupation. To this end the DV-USA and local DV
chapters and groups support: the restoration of Latvia’s Freedom Monument; the
Museum of the Occupation of Latvia; the establishment of the Lestene cemetery
in Kurzeme; The Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, DC; and various
efforts to educate the world public about all aspects of Latvia’s 20th
century history.
DV – A non-political,
non-governmental, not-for-profit, organization
The Daugavas Vanagi is not aligned with any political
party or grouping, but it does support those who work in accordance with the
DV’s principles and goals
The Latvian Association, Daugavas Vanagi, ASV,
Inc. is registered as a charitable not-for-profit organization under section
501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue code. All donations are fully tax-deductible
to the extent allowed by federal and state laws.
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