Patriots’ Month is a time to remind ourselves that Latvia’s freedom is our greatest value, and that Latvia’s security and resilience are our shared responsibility. True resilience requires not only the state’s defence capabilities, institutions and infrastructure, but also the involvement of every citizen. Becoming a supporter of the National Guard, getting involved in voluntary work, learning first aid skills, preparing your family for emergencies, or simply being ready to help others – every such action is a significant contribution to strengthening Latvia’s resilience.

That is why the organisations that protect the country on a daily basis, save lives, provide electricity, communications and other essential services, and help their fellow citizens – the National Guard, the National Armed Forces, the State Fire and Rescue Service, the State Crisis Management Centre, the State Police, the Emergency Medical Service, and representatives of the State Innovative Capital Companies Initiative (VIKI) (“LMT Group”, “Latvian State Forests”, “Sadales tīkls”, “Augstsprieguma tīkls”, “Latvenergo”), Latvian Public Media, Delfi.lv and the non-governmental organisations “Ziedot.lv” and “Entrepreneurs for Peace” – have joined forces in the Latvian Resilience Initiative, which calls on every citizen to get involved.

“Today, the question is not whether I have a place in national defence, but rather what my role is within it. Latvia needs people who are prepared to join the National Guard, acquire the necessary skills and play a practical role in national defence. At the same time, everyone can contribute to Latvia’s security through their knowledge, skills and actions. We must not merely be consumers of security – we must also be its creators. A nation’s strength lies not only in its armed forces, but also in the will, readiness and ability of its people to take action. That is why the slogan „My Latvia. My responsibility.” is not just words – it is a call to each and every one of us to take responsibility and be ready to act,” as General Aivars Krjukovs, Commander of the National Guard, points out.

At the event, representatives of the initiative group presented the five principles of Latvia’s resilience – individual responsibility, preparedness and knowledge, active participation, solidarity and cooperation, as well as long-term commitment and action. This relies on a combination of many different elements – the resilience of communication networks, national defence, crisis management, civil protection, health protection, public safety, support for citizens, community resilience, security of electricity supply, resilience of the electricity supply, energy generation, heating and shelter, reliable information, mutual assistance and speed.

“Our day-to-day work involves identifying potential risks in good time, anticipating what might happen, and acting swiftly should complications arise. The Crisis Management Centre team works every day to ensure that Latvia is safe and prepared for various challenges. We are all doing everything we can to ensure our country remains strong and invincible,” he said, calling on everyone to play their part in strengthening Latvia’s resilience, emphasises Gints Reinsons, Deputy Head of the Crisis Management Centre.

One of the key elements of resilience is public participation, as without it, a resilient society, strong communities and genuine care for one another are inconceivable.

“There are many ways and opportunities to get involved in building a safer Latvia – from serving in the National Guard to civic engagement and looking after those closest to you. However, the very first step must be taken, and the first decision – to take action rather than remain a passive bystander – must be made by each individual. And this decision also demonstrates a willingness and readiness to take responsibility for what we all have in common – for Latvia,” says Valts Ernštreits, the founder of the “My Latvia. My Responsibility.” initiative.

There are various opportunities for members of the public who wish to play a part in strengthening Latvia’s resilience: joining the National Guard or the Youth Guard, completing basic military training for reservists, volunteer for national defence service, become a supporter of the National Guard, join civil defence volunteer teams, take part in searches for missing persons, join the State Fire and Rescue Service, undertake civil defence and first aid training, do voluntary work, become a blood donor, be active members of residents’ organisations in their local authority, support civic initiatives, etc.

“Resilience is not just the ability to weather a crisis. It is the ability to take action whilst others are still searching for solutions. Having supported Ukraine since the very first day of full-scale war, we have seen just how crucial speed is – the ability to make decisions, bring people together and mobilise resources. A strong country is one where people know that, in times of difficulty, they will not be left on their own. And it is precisely the ability of entrepreneurs to act swiftly that is our contribution to Latvia’s resilience,” emphasises Laura Skrodele, director of the “Entrepreneurs for Peace” foundation.