About VL²

‘Vlaanderen Vlagt’ or VL² was set up by a group of Flemish friends. Through active campaigns and promotion they wish to make the Flemish Lion known and visible, and they encourage Flemish citizens to express their national identity in a relaxed and friendly fashion. During their campaigns at home and abroad the Flemish participants make friends with people of other nationalities. The people of VL² cheer the Flemish celebrities but naturally they also show their appreciation for the fine achievements of the other nationalities.

VL² is completely non-partisan and independent, not associated with any party, society or organisation whatsoever. Its activities are focussed entirely on promoting and introducing Flanders at home and abroad.

The latter is achieved by displaying the Flemish Lion at appropriate sporting, cultural or festive events. Not only do the people of VL² wave flags, they also distribute gadgets bearing the symbol of Flanders, including flags, caps, umbrellas, T-shirts or bicycle pennants. The foremost aim of VL² is to let the Flemish feel good about their Flemishness. This approach strengthens the identity of the Flemish citizens. VL² does not express opinions on the subject of Flemish statehood, but regards this as an obvious fact which only needs to be communicated to the people.

The campaigns of VL² are always of a constructive, friendly and preferably lighthearted nature. By its self-assured presence VL² wishes to convey the character of Flanders and the Flemings, a character which is pleasant, welcoming, interesting, dynamic, valuable and fascinating, This message is conveyed both in Flanders and abroad. Obviously any form of aggressiveness is excluded. In order to convey our message we approach people and tell them about Flanders. We also hope for some cooperation on the part of the media. Always and everywhere our purpose is to serve Flanders and its image!

How Vlaanderen Vlagt Operates…

Vlaanderen Vlagt is a non-profit organisation. However, we consider ourselves to be a group of friends rather than a society. VL² welcomes all Flemings and lays obligations on no-one.
Everyone is allowed to participate in our activities, both individuals and groups. All we ask is that all participants adhere strictly to the rules of VL², the “guidelines” listed below.
Participation is easy and is only valid for the activities which you have explicitly designated. All you need to do is apply, giving your name, address, telephone and e-mail address if you have one. You can make use of the form on this website. Once you have applied you shall receive regular calendars of the planned campaigns. Ten days before each campaign you will receive a call for participation which includes all the details. To this you respond with YES if you wish to join, with NO if you do not. This method guarantees the continuing success of VL². It eliminates unnecessary expenses and errors. VL² takes care of all practical matters such as purchasing entrance tickets, renting vans or campers, booking seats on boats or planes, hotel rooms, etc.

All you need to do is arrive punctually at the meeting point on the planned date and time. VL² expects enthusiasm and conviction. At first more experienced campaigners will advise and assist you. You may bring along your own flag, but VL² always brings sufficient flags and materials. In some cases VL² may ask the participants to contribute a small sum. This is the same for everyone and is always kept low so that no-one needs to stay at home for lack of funds.

To discontinue participation in our activities you only need to let us know and we will remove you from the list of participants. If you repeatedly respond with YES but do not turn up, even when reprimanded, we also remove you from our list of participants.

Hundreds of Flemings already participate in this fashion. Some come once a year, some every week, each according to his own abilities and dedication.

Decision Making

VL² does not hold meetings but is focussed on action. Decisions are not made at meetings but through consultation by telephone between the headquarters and the campaigners. The calendar of activities is adjusted according to the available people and means. Campaigns are prepared at headquarters. We always try to organise things so that one in every three campaigns is conducted abroad, and two in Flanders.

The Cost of Campaigning

All our means are used for campaigning. VL² includes no luxuries or outings. We do, however, make sure there is decent accommodation, transport and food. VL² has three financial sources:

• the participants’ own contributions
• the sale of flags, T-shirts and other gadgets with the Flemish symbol
• donations

Those who support us financially do so because they believe and know that the future of the Flemings in Europe resides first and foremost in Flanders. They believe in the power of the Flemish symbol, the Flemish Lion, to unite all who live and work in Flanders.

We accept support from anyone who wishes to do so. Our supporters may ask questions, make suggestions, keep us to our promises, but may not make demands. Each year our supporters receive a letter of thanks and a detailed annual report with figures and details concerning our operation.

For Contributions and More Information

Any support for this unique project is welcome at “Vlaanderen Vlagt":
account nr. 418-9078051-64 IBAN: BE29 4189 0780 5164 / BIC: KREDBEBB.

We are grateful for any help and guarantee that all contributions will be used wisely, to the benefit of Flanders.

More information can be obtained at the headquarters of VL²: