The work of the Congress was prepared by a movement called the Estonian Citizens' Committee, which was active since 1988. Estonian Congress formed a 71-member executive body, called the Estonian Committee. Tunne Kelam became its head (on the photo).
Kongressi tööd oli ette valmistanud Eesti Kodanike Komiteede liikumine, mis tegutses alates 1988. aastast.