Baltic Paths to Restoration: The Singing Revolution
This About the Committee: “Look into the eyes of the person who is next to you, and sing. Song helped us for so many centuries... But let us leave the evil feelings and crimes to them... Let’s not pay attention to that shooting, let’s sing!”
Former Lithuanian President Vytautas Landsbergis
The year is 1990. The Baltic people have been under Soviet occupation for fifty years, and they are becoming restless. But now, in the beginning of a new decade, there is a renewed sense of hope. The Baltic people have begun to revolt–but not in an expected fashion. Lithuanians, Estonians, and Latvians defied the Soviet government by singing traditional folk songs, playing Soviet-suppressed rock music, and waving their flags. It has been under a year since The Baltic
Chain of Freedom, and important decisions must be made: is it time to declare independence against the mighty Soviet Union? Can these acts of defiance be continued in a nonviolent nature? What can be done to get the attention of the international community? It is up to delegates to determine the future of the Baltic States and Eastern Europe.
About the Crisis Director: Sveiki! My name is Daniele Sabaliunaite (sah-bah-loo-nay-teh) and I will be your crisis director for “Baltic Paths to Restoration: The Singing Revolution.” I am a second year student studying biochemistry with a minor in international relations and diplomacy. My hometown is Wyoming, Ohio, a small Cincinnati suburb. I am a proud Lithuanian-American whose family members experienced the Singing Revolution and Soviet occupation firsthand. I am a native Lithuanian speaker and member of OSU Baltic Club. I also participate in Buckeyes for Harm Reduction and hope to have a career in medical research post-graduation.