Los Angeles, CA – On Sunday, June 2, 3013, over 50 community members from the Seattle area gathered at Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church for a town hall meeting organized by the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region.  The event, which came after a series of similar town halls hosted in Boise, Fresno, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, gave attendees an opportunity to learn about the efforts and successes of the ANCA, the challenges facing the Armenian-American communities on local, state and federal levels, discuss local issues, and learn about ways through which they can get involved.

“We were pleasantly surprised to see such a diverse crowd attend the town hall gathering. From third and fourth generation Armenian-Americans to recent immigrants, the discussions around local needs varied from community education initiatives to reviving efforts on Genocide recognition and government affairs started long ago,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “Given the overwhelmingly positive response and eagerness by attendees to start a local chapter in the area, we will be reconnecting with our new friends in the coming weeks to help them develop strategies and activate the Seattle Armenian-American community,” added Asatryan.

While Asatryan shared with the audience the history of the ANCA, its structure and programs, and ventures taken on by local chapters in other regions, ANCA-WR Legislative Director Haig Baghdassarian discussed current initiatives taken on by the organization and the challenges ahead.  The meeting wrapped up with a Q&A session, followed by one-on-one discussions with attendees on how they can get involved in organizing their local community.

“The audience was very engaged and inquisitive about the topics covered, including Genocide recognition, independence for Artsakh, and U.S. foreign aid to Armenia. They were particularly interested in learning more about our advocacy on a national and regional level, and it was most encouraging to witness their enthusiasm to participate locally,” stated Baghdassarian.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Los Angeles, CA—True to its grassroots, the ANCA will continue its road trip around the Western United States, now with a stop in the state of Washington. On Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 12:00PM the Armenian National Committee of American – Western Region (ANCA-WR) will host its next Town Hall at the Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church located in Redmond, Washington.

“The town hall meetings play a key role in connecting with the different communities in the region and learning about their needs and interests, while also serving as an opportunity to engage them in initiatives taken on by the ANCA,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “I look forward to meeting community members in the great state of Washington and developing a long term working relationship with them as we continue to plant the seeds of activism in that area,” added Asatryan.

The ANCA-WR Town Hall series is an effort to reactivate and engage Armenian American communities throughout the Western United States. The meetings are led by ANCA-WR senior staff and Executive Board members, who provide attendees with an overview of the organization, its priorities, and recent developments affecting Armenian-Americans, Armenia and Artsakh. After the presentation, attendees have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues of concern, and make recommendations.

The June 2nd Town Hall Meeting will be led by ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan and ANCAWR Legislative Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian.

“It’s vital that we connect with all our Armenian communities in the United States, making them aware that there is an organization fighting for justice of the Genocide and other issues of concern,” stated Baghdassarian.

The Washington state Town Hall is preceded by those held in Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, Fresno, CA, San Francisco, CA, and Boise, Idaho.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
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Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
media@ancawr.org http://www.ancawr.org
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PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2013
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Tel: 818.500.1918
media@ancawr.org

ANCA-WR TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING IN SEATTLE AREA

Los Angeles, CA—True to its grassroots, the ANCA will continue its road trip around the Western
United States, now with a stop in the state of Washington. On Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 12:00PM the
Armenian National Committee of American – Western Region (ANCA-WR) will host its next Town Hall
at the Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church located in Redmond, Washington.

“The town hall meetings play a key role in connecting with the different communities in the region and
learning about their needs and interests, while also serving as an opportunity to engage them in
initiatives taken on by the ANCA,” stated ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “I look forward
to meeting community members in the great state of Washington and developing a long term working
relationship with them as we continue to plant the seeds of activism in that area,” added Asatryan.

The ANCA-WR Town Hall series is an effort to reactivate and engage Armenian American communities
throughout the Western United States. The meetings are led by ANCA-WR senior staff and Executive
Board members, who provide attendees with an overview of the organization, its priorities, and recent
developments affecting Armenian-Americans, Armenia and Artsakh. After the presentation, attendees
have an opportunity to ask questions, discuss issues of concern, and make recommendations.

The June 2nd Town Hall Meeting will be led by ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan and ANCAWR
Legislative Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian.

“It’s vital that we connect with all our Armenian communities in the United States, making them aware
that there is an organization fighting for justice of the Genocide and other issues of concern,” stated
Baghdassarian.

The Washington state Town Hall is preceded by those held in Phoenix, AZ, Las Vegas, NV, Fresno,
CA, San Francisco, CA, and Boise, Idaho.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential
Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in
coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian
American community on a broad range of issues.

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2013.05.23 ANCA Seattle Town Hall Press Release.pdf

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  May 17, 2013
Tel: 818.500.1918
Email:  media@ancawr.org 

Congressman Cardenas To Be Strong Leader for Armenian Americans In Congress

Los Angeles, CA – As the sun rose and settled above North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley on the morning of May 13, 2013 a breakfast meeting was marked by firsts. First-term Congressman Tony Cardenas, newly elected to represent California’s 29^th Congressional District met with Elen Asatryan, who was enjoying her first day on the job in her new post as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR). The introductory working meeting over breakfast, which included the participation of ANCA national board member Raffi Hamparian, went exceptionally well.

“My first day and really first hour as the Executive Director of the ANCA-WR got off to a great start,” explained Asatryan after the meeting with Congressman Cardenas.  “We are confident that Congressman Cardenas, whose tenure in Washington, DC as a federal legislator is just beginning, is going to be a powerful and effective voice for the thousands of Armenian American constituents who live in North Hollywood and all across the eastern portion of the San Fernando Valley covered by the Congressman’s newly drawn district.  We very much look forward to our ANCA San Fernando Valley – East Chapter, which has a great grassroots team, broadening their work with Congressman Cardenas in the months ahead,” Asatryan added.

At a recent congressional commemoration of the Armenian Genocide held at the U.S. Capitol and attended by over 100 ANCA supporters, Congressman Cardenas offered poignant remarks about the murder of 1.5 million Armenians from 1915 to 1923. “The world is a horrible place, as much for the people who do horrible things, but equally for the people who do nothing about it; for the people who watch atrocities and do not do anything about it. I can honestly say that this country is a great, great country, but I am perplexed, confused, and disappointed that our country – at the highest levels – does not recognize the truth and is unwilling to say that the Armenian Genocide is a truth and that it happened and that it should never happen again,” stated Congressman Cardenas.

Congressman Cardenas was elected to the current 113^th Congress in November of 2012. The 29^th Congressional District represents a broad cross-section of communities, including an Armenian American constituency that has grown exponentially over the past decade.  Before joining the ranks of the U.S. House of Representatives, Cardenas was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1996. He went on to serve three terms in the assembly and was later elected to the Los Angeles City Council, in 2003. An engineering degree, and a business background, prepared him for the day-to-day duties of an elected official and his experience has allowed him to find practical and realistic solutions to difficult problems. Born in Pacoima, Cárdenas was raised with ten brothers and sisters and still resides in the San Fernando Valley with his wife, Norma, and their children.

During their meeting, ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan and Congressman Cardenas explored ways Armenian-Americans could be part of the many positive initiatives the Congressman has focused on during his career in public office. Of special interest to the ANCA is the Congressman’s interest in youth programs that seek to invest in the leaders of tomorrow.  The ANCA-WR discussed a number of programs it has created and supported for students, including the ANCA-WR Internship Program, the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program. the ANCA Capital Gateway Program and the Path to College Program.

Many of the Armenian Americans residing in the East San Fernando Valley are strong supporters of the ANCA San Fernando Valley– East Chapter. The chapter is active in a number of outreach initiatives with elected officials and also in registering new voters through the ANCA’s Hye Votes campaign that has registered over 4,000 new Armenian American voters over the last twelve months.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Photo Caption:  ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan (left) with Congressman Tony Cardenas (right) after introductory meeting at EAT Restaurant in North Hollywood, CA.

Los Angeles, CA – Major changes have occurred at the ANCA-Western Region headquarters over the past 10 days with the appointment of Elen Asatryan as Executive Director, the addition of Haig Baghdassarian as Legislative Affairs Director, and the promotion of Tereza Yerimyan to Government Relations Director.

“We are very excited to announce our new ANCA-WR staff and division of responsibilities, and we are extremely confident that our team will successfully take the organization to even higher levels,” stated Nora Hovsepian, co-Chair of the ANCA-WR. “Our former Executive Director William Bairamian laid the groundwork in the office upon which our new Executive Director Elen Asatryan can build to new heights. We wish William well in his future endeavors and are sure that by working together, our entire ANCA-WR Board, staff, committees and local chapters will make significant strides toward advancing the Armenian Cause,” added Hovsepian.

Elen Asatryan is no stranger to the ANCA family as she has served as the Executive Director the ANCA Glendale Chapter since 2006 and more recently, since 2011, has divided her time between the Glendale Chapter, ANCA-WR, and the Hye Votes Campaign.

As the Executive Director of ANCA Glendale, Asatryan was instrumental in many positive developments for the organization and the community at large.  For more than six years, she was the face and voice of the organization, and was responsible for policy development and day-to-day operations.  Her countless accomplishments during her tenure included the creation and expansion of many programs for the community which were achieved by the fostering of closer relations with city officials and community based organizations.  Such programs included internship and mentorship programs for high school and college students, the Path to College Program, the Parent/Student Assistance Hotline, the ANCA Glendale Youth Activist Scholarship Fund, the Glendale Free Legal Clinics, community education workshops and forums, voter registration,  and annual food and toy distributions to the Glendale community amongst policy related initiatives proposed in various city departments and at GUSD.

As Field Director of the ANCA-WR, Asatryan was responsible for developing chapters’ structures, strategic plans, as well as the promotion and development of new chapters in the Western Region of the United States.

“The ANCA-WR is a unique energetic organization with a rich history in the Armenian community and we are confident that Elen will carry that same passion for our Cause,” stated ANCA-WR co-Chair Chris Guldjian. “We are very pleased and proud to have someone with Elen’s background and dedication lead our team and are confident that she can take us to the next level,” added Guldjian.

Prior to her tenure as ANCA-Glendale Executive Director, Asatryan worked on local, state, and federal campaigns. Her commitment to Armenian issues dates back to her activist days at Hoover High School, then as an officer and advisor of the UCLA’s Armenian Students’ Association, and later as an intern of the ANCA-WR. Asatryan is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she studied Political Science with concentrations in American Politics and International Relations.

In early January 2013, Asatryan had taken a leave of absence from her position in order to manage the successful campaign of Glendale City Councilmember Zareh Sinanyan.

“I am honored to join the passionate and dedicated directors, staff, and volunteers that make up the ANCA-WR team in this new capacity,” stated newly appointed ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan.  “I am confident that through our collaborative efforts we will reach even higher levels of distinction as we continue to build on previous successes of serving our community and representing its voice and its needs within respective legislative bodies,” added Asatryan.

The addition of Legislative Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian is noteworthy, in that it represents the first time that the ANCA-WR has hired an employee who is based outside of the organization’s headquarters in Glendale.  Baghdassarian is a practicing attorney who has lived in in San Francisco since 1998.  Previously, he resided in Glendale and Burbank, during which time he first became involved with the ANCA, initially as a Leo Sarkisian Intern in Washington, then as a member of the ANCA-WR Governmental Affairs Committee, and later as a Board Member of the ANCA-Burbank Chapter.

Following his graduation from UCLA, Baghdassarian relocated to San Francisco to attend law school at UC Hastings, and shortly thereafter, he became an active member of the SF Bay Area Chapter of the ANCA where continues to serve on its Executive Board.  Over the years, his involvement within the Armenian-American communities have not been limited to the ANCA family, as he has also been active with the Armenian Youth Federation, the UCLA Armenian Students Association, the Land & Culture Organization, the Genocide Education Project’s oral history documentation activities, and the Armenian Bar Association.

Prior to Baghdassarian’s graduation from law school, he became the first Armenian-American to be appointed as a San Francisco Human Rights Commissioner.  He was sworn in by then-Mayor Willie Brown on April 24, 2001, and he held the office through 2004.  Following his graduation from law school, he worked as Deputy City Attorney in San Francisco, and as a labor and employment attorney for two law firms specializing in state and municipal legal affairs.

“Given the current political landscape, it’s more important than ever before for our community to develop lasting relations with Members of the California state legislature and their staff,” said Hovsepian. “The addition of Haig to our team will ensure that we develop a higher profile in Sacramento, and his wealth of experience will serve our community well,” she added.

Since 2012, UCLA graduate, Tereza Yerimyan has served as External Affairs Deputy, working with elected offices and various community organizations. Tereza Yerimyan’s new post as Government Affairs Director is well deserved given her contributions to the organization and eagerness to continue developing the legislative agenda of the organization.

“I am humbled by the organization’s confidence in me and look forward to developing our community’s relations with their elected officials through this new position,” stated Yerimyan.

In 2010 Yerimyan first became involved with ANCA through the ANCA-WR Internship/Externship program where she became acquainted with the array of issues that the addressed by the organization. She later became a staffer for the CA State Affairs Committee of the Western Region where she assisted in the organization of the annual Advocacy Day.

Yerimian spent the following summer in Washington, D.C. as a Leo Sarkisian intern with the ANCA.  She was a part of the summer intern class that helped pass H.Res 306: The Return of Churches resolution demanding that the government of Turkey return confiscated church properties.

In 2012 Yerimyan was elected to the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council representing District 5 for the council.  She is also a volunteer member of the ANCA Hollywood Board.

“Tereza is a natural fit in her new position as she has already displayed a deep commitment for governmental and legislative affairs. We are confident that she too will be an ideal representative for our region and look forward to introducing our new staff to the community,” explained Guldjian.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
media@ancawr.org
http://www.ancawr.org

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2013

Contact: Tereza Yerimyan
Tel: 818-500-1918

ANCA-WR Annual Banquet and Grassroots Conference Slated for Thanksgiving Weekend

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) today announced that it will be hosting its Annual Banquet and biannual Grassroots Conference on Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2013 in Los Angeles, CA. The last time the two events happened together in 2011, they collectively drew over 1300 attendees.

Two years ago, the inaugural ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference featured artists, scholars, intellectuals, professionals, and activists in a groundbreaking event which awed and inspired attendees that came to Los Angeles from around the country. With expectations high, Grassroots aims to set the bar even higher in 2013 with intellectually stimulating discussions during the day and fun social events at night. Those interested in attending are urged to make travel plans early.

As every year, the Annual Banquet will feature high profile guests and dignitaries. The event typically sells out.

Details forthcoming.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Attached: Grassroots 2011 logo

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
media@ancawr.org
http://www.ancawr.org

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2013

Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

ANCA Town Hall Draws Actvists In Arizona

Phoenix, AZ – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region held a successful town hall meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on April 7, 2013. The ANCA town hall meeting, which drew a variety of activists from across the Phoenix area, was held in the spirit of the organization’s grassroots efforts, which are in the best tradition of American democracy. The meeting was held at the Phoenix Armenian Center, which is home to an active and vibrant community, including chapters of the Armenian Relief Society, Homenetmen, and the Armenian Youth Federation.

“There is so much energy and potential in the Armenian American community in and around Phoenix, Arizona,” said ANCA-WR Executive Director William Bairamian. “One of the most remarkable aspects of our ANCA town hall was the diversity of the crowd. Some community members were born and raised in Phoenix, while others had recently come to Arizona from either the State of California or the East Coast. This is really a new community, which like Las Vegas and other western cities, is just beginning to see a dramatic growth in its population. And with the growth in population of Armenian Americans in Phoenix, we certainly expect to see a growth in the political activism among the community, from Tuscon, to Albequerque, Phoenix to Scottsdale,” Bairamian added.

Joining William Bairamian at the ANCA town hall meeting was ANCA-WR External Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan. She traveled to Arizona a day before the town hall meeting to attend a banquet held by the Phoenix “Ararat” Armenian Relief Society chapter.

“I was pleased to bring our innovative brand of activism to Phoenix,” remarked Yerimyan after returning home from her trip to Arizona. “The ANCA town hall format offered a welcome opportunity to have a two way conversation with members of our community. This shared dialogue is a key to the ANCA’s success, because in every great endeavor, it takes team work to make the dream work,” Yerimyan added.

Arizona, over the past two decades, has seen its Armenian American community rapidly expand. The population increase has been matched by a growing interest in political activism in support of the Armenian Cause across the state.The ANCA town hall meeting offered a fresh opportunity for community members to ask questions about the efforts of the ANCA, the nation’s largest Armenian American grassroots organization.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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Attached: Photos