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The Newfoundland Labrador Defense League
FAQ
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Q1 Who is the NLDL?
The NLDL is made up of any Newfoundlander or Labradorian, currently living in the province or not, who requests membership and has a passion for the people and place we call home. We have rural Newfoundlanders, Labradorians, members from Central, West, East, South and North. The membership of the NLDL truly represents the whole of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Visit nldl.org for a spotlight bio on some of our members and to hear their views and interests. You will hear what our members have to say and why they are a part of the NLDL team.
Q2 What is the purpose of the NLDL?
The NLDL has a simple overriding goal of working for the betterment of the Newfoundland and Labrador people. In fact this is a strong premise on which all of our members base their commitments. We focus on receiving our goals and objectives directly from our membership. Our mandate is a living document, which is re-evaluated as we grow, with our members input. This means the long-term core goals of the NLDL can remain solid. At the same time our short-term goals, which are topical and based on our present circumstances on the island and in the Big Land, are always debated. The approach to addressing them are goal oriented for the coming months primarily and evolve as we grow as a province.
Q3 Does Newfoundland and Labrador need another political group?
The NLDL exists because it is filling a void in the political arena. We are not a political group. We are not a party. We are a grassroots voice for the people of the province. A voice that is independent of the biases inherent in toeing a party line, and independent of any specific industry agenda. We do not exist to be elected, nor do we exist for monetary gain. Setting ourselves outside of the scope of mainstream political parties and industry groups the NLDL can cooperate with any group as well as be critical of any group.
Q4 What happens to any monetary donations or other finances that the NLDL receives?
All donations and membership dues received by the NLDL are put directly to operating costs. All financial records are available to each member and all members have a say into how the money is spent.
Q5 Are there paid members of the NLDL?
No. In fact many of our more dedicated members have funded the NLDL through their own donations, time and efforts.
Q6 I have read articles online that are associated with the NLDL that I do not agree with.
Only nldl.org, freenl.jconserv.net,
and officialnldl.blogspot.com are websites that officially represent the NLDL. All members are encouraged to be active and vocal in their communities but those views do not necessarily represent the official views of the NLDL. Additionally some websites and blogs have chosen to use the NLDL name, acronym or similar names and logos to create an online presence which is in no way associated with the NLDL and often contrary to the philosophy and goals of the
NLDL.
If you have read articles on NLDL.ORG or other NLDL sanctioned sites that you are not in agreement with we welcome your opinion. As a member of the NLDL all voices are heard. Our only goal is for the betterment of Newfoundland and Labrador and its people. For that reason we always seek a common ground between members even when their views may differ.
Q7 Does the NLDL work with other groups?
Wherever possible the NLDL works closely with like-minded groups who share our values and goals. A good example is our relationship with the Community Linkages Concept Committee (CLCC) as well as many other grassroots advocacy groups in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Q8 What political persuasion are members of the NLDL?
NLDL is made up of members of all political stripes and of no particular political preference. Party loyalties are irrelevant within the organization of the NLDL.
Q9 Is the NLDL truly non-partisan?
To elaborate on the answer above, we often refer to NLDL as multi-partisan and representative of all political perspectives that consider our land first – where conflicts exist decisions are made by consensus – always with an ear to the minority view.
Q10 Is the NLDL a separatist group?
The NLDL has members that express a wide range of opinions on a variety of issues. We have members who believe in Newfoundland and Labrador’s place in Canada as well as members who believe the best future for Newfoundland and Labrador is outside of Canada. In speaking with some of our members you will hear passionate responses from a variety of perspectives. Each voice is important in our organization. The core of the NLDL is more concerned with Newfoundland and Labrador’s self-reliance rather than the specific issue of separation or sovereignty.
Q11 Is the NLDL a community, provincial of federally oriented group?
Yes. All three. The NLDL is our members, and our members are community leaders as well as provincial and federally active citizens.
Q12 Does the NLDL have an agenda?
See Answer to Question 2.
Q13 Why do you use the Pink White and Green on some of your material?
The meaning of the NLDL logo is written in our constitution. The logo incorporates the three most prominent flags in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Pink White and Green is a prominent symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador in our time. Many people wear it and fly it with a great pride. It is especially prominent among our youth and among our seniors who flew it before 1949. It is very relevant in the context of representing all the people of our province. It is very difficult in our land to find symbols that reflect the values and beliefs of all our citizens. Wherever possible we strive to represent all as best we can, which is why our logo also incorporates elements from the current provincial flag and the Labrador flag.
Q14 Is the NLDL an online group? I am not commonly on computer and do not have regular access to the Internet, how can I be involved?
In the interests of maintaining low operational costs, and because of our widely dispersed membership, great deals of our communications take place online. We strive however to reach all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians wishing to be a part of the NLDL. For that reason we commit to providing communications over the phone, radio, face-to-face, at group meetings and through regular mail. Members with limited online access are encouraged to let us know of their preferred means of communication.
Q15 Who can become a member of the NLDL?
See Question 1. In some cases membership may be granted to non-Newfoundlanders or Labradorians. Also special honorary memberships may be issued from time to time. The primary consideration is for membership to have the betterment of Newfoundland and Labrador at heart in their goals and actions.
Q16 Is there a membership fee?
Starting in 2008 the NLDL will be requesting a membership of $20. This fee will help alleviate some of the costs involved with maintaining our communications, special events, meetings, advertising etc. In consideration of those on fixed incomes, such as seniors, or anyone under financial stress such as students and low income individuals can request that this fee be reduced or waved entirely.
Q17 What do members have to do?
Our members find a variety of ways to contribute and all contributions are welcomed. Financial donations, performing administrative duties, donations of meeting venues, printing of posters, supplying graphics, calling radio talk shows, planning meetings and special events, research... essentially using any specific skill or interest to further the cause is always appreciated.
Q18 I am a card carrying member of a political party can I join the NLDL?
Yes. Remember that political affiliations are left at the door when it comes to the NLDL. Recruitment for political parties or other interest groups within the NLDL membership or at NLDL functions is not an acceptable practice as identified in the NLDL constitution.
Q19 How does the NLDL represent Labrador?
The NLDL has Labrador’s interests in mind in all of our activities. In addition to our efforts to address the issues facing all of Newfoundland and Labrador, specific parts of our mandate and scope are written specifically with Labrador issues in mind. We currently have a limited number of people from Labrador among our membership and are always happy to welcome to new members. Our ability to work for Labrador will only be as strong as the members from Labrador who help to form our policies. For that reason we encourage those living in Labrador to consider membership.
Q20 How does the NLDL represent rural and outport Newfoundland and Labrador?
The NLDL has the interests of all of Newfoundland and Labrador as a focus. Parts of our mandate and scope are written to include rural and outport Newfoundland and Labrador specific issues. Our efforts, in partnership, with organizations like the Community Linkages Concept Committee is an example of NLDL’s commitment to rural regions of the province. We encourage a diverse and widespread membership from all parts of the province to help us achieve our goals.
Q21 I am not living in N&L can I be a member?
Yes. In fact quite a large and passionate part of our membership base is made up of expatriated Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our membership firmly believes that the reason many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live away is a direct result of issues that made it difficult for them to build a future here at home. For this reason the voices of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living away are every bit as important to the NLDL as those who remain.
Learn more about the NLDL and how you can support our work
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