The Joint Baltic American National Committee, Inc. came together 55 years ago on April 27, 1961, as documented by the decision and signatures of the heads of the leading national Baltic organizations.

In doing so, it would combine the efforts of the three main national organizations of Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians based in the United States. JBANC, as it came to be known, helped coalesce activities in Washington, DC for the three national groups in order to better engage with policy makers and to keep closer to the pulse of American politics.

In organizing the Baltic-American communities into an effective advocacy force in the United States, JBANC’s forefathers had the foresight to strengthen its standing and efficacy by pledging to coordinate efforts together. It was force multiplication in triplicate. [...]

For Americans of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian descent, JBANC has remained a central place for information and policies affecting the Baltic countries, and for conveying the concerns of the Baltic-American community to Congress, the White House, and other U.S. government agencies.

For 55 years, JBANC has remained a unified voice and a force in advocating for Baltic issues. These efforts will continue.

Read the full history at JBANC website jbanc.org