The structural units of the Estonian Defence League include the youth organisations Home Daughters and Young Eagles.
The Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization
The Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization is a women’s organisation within the Defence League, the aim of which is to involve women in national defence and, more broadly, make society safer. Nearly 4,000 women from across Estonia have found their place in the organization. The activities and tasks of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization are diverse, offering something for every woman. Members of the organization can participate in military defence through membership in units assembled by the Defence League. An important focus of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation is strengthening the field of civil protection by bringing together its respective projects and activities under the umbrella of ‘Ole valmis!’ (Be prepared). As part of this, the organisation has created the ‘Ole valmis!’ (Be prepared) application and organises information sessions, training courses, and safety education camps, where volunteers of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation share essential knowledge and skills with the public on how to respond to various threats, both in day-to-day and crisis situations.
The Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization promotes lifelong learning – members receive continuous new training and different opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills.
Training within the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization is divided into basic training, professional training, refresher training, commander and instructor training, and other types of training. Once basic training is completed, the member chooses a field of activity in which to specialise. The fields of activity are:
- member of a unit (military and non-military) assembled by the Defence League,
- member of a specialised group,
- commission member,
- committee member,
- audit committee member,
- driver,
- instructor,
- mentor,
- youth leader.
The Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization is a lifelong organisation, which means that we will find the right fit for every member at every stage of their life, whether they are a student, a stay-at-home mom with a young child, a working woman, or a pensioner.
The Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization has 15 districts across Estonia, which operate alongside the Defence League district of the same name.
The youth organisations
The youth organisations of the Estonian Defence League – Home Daughters (Kodutütred) and Young Eagles (Noored Kotkad) – give the Estonian youth the opportunity to contribute to national defence.
The mission of the Home Daughters and Young Eagles is to offer young people the best opportunities for self-fulfilment through patriotic education by valuing volunteering.
Home Daughters and Young Eagles shape young people’s values by offering:
- physical and adventurous activities
- playful learning
- the opportunity to challenge oneself
- camps, hikes, competitions
- new friends and acquaintances
- travel opportunities in Estonia and abroad.
The main focus is on hiking skills and national defence. Safety issues and sports activities are also important, as well as improving civic skills and history knowledge. The organisation also aims to improve young people’s leadership and organisational skills.
The training of home daughters and young eagles is divided into tests required for advancing in rank and special tests, the content and level of difficulty of which vary according to age. Special tests provide an opportunity for in-depth development in some areas. The most popular tests are tests in hiking, first aid, singing, and shooting.
The training of young people is organised by volunteer leaders who complete a training programme required for the job. The introductory course for a youth leader lasts two weekends, followed by field training in a field camp.
The task of a youth leader is to create conditions for young people that support their personal development, socialisation, and help them become integrated members of society. To this end, the youth leader organises gatherings, camps, and trips for the members of their group. The field of activity is wide and gives the youth leader an excellent opportunity to engage and develop their own knowledge and skills in their field of interest.
In addition, the group can organise joint activities with other groups and represent the district at national events.
Young Eagles was founded on 27 May 1930 and Home Daughters on 19 January 1932. The Young Eagles and Home Daughters organisations were re-established on 12 August 1989 in Pärnu County.
The borders of the operating areas of the Home Daughters and Young Eagles match those of the Estonian counties. There is a difference in Saaremaa, where Hiiu County has a separate district of the Home Daughters and there is a separate regional unit of the Young Eagles in Hiiumaa. There is a further difference in Lääne County, where the area of responsibility partly spreads into Pärnu County.