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.

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

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.

ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan

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.

ANCA-WR Legislative Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian

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.

ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Tereza 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

Los Angeles—On Sunday, April 28 over 200 supporters of the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance joined the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) and the Museum of Tolerance for a joint film screening of Kay Mouradian’s My Mother’s Voice.

The evening was opened by Nora Hovsepian, Co-Chair of the ANCA-WR with a pointed speech addressing the relevance of denialism and drawing ties between the Jewish Holocaust and the Armenian Ganocide.  Ms. Hovsepian’s full remarks can be seen at the end of this release. Liebe Geft, Director of the Museum of Tolerance also made opening remarks, commenting on the need to hear the words and sentiments Ms. Hovsepian addressed. “We are long overdue in recognizing the Armenian Genocide,” she remarked.

The screening of My Mother’s Voice is just the beginning of the ANCA-WR’s renewed relationship with the Simon Wiesenthal Center. The ANCA-WR looks forward to continuing and developing its relationship with the Museum of Tolerance in the coming months. It is important that as organizations and as cultures sharing similar stories of genocide that we come together not once a year, but multiple times to bring awareness to the causes.

Kay Mouradian’s short film presented the rousing story of her mother’s plight after the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Those who attended were captured by the poignant story of Flora Munushian, a fourteen-year-old Hadjin native, who lost her family during the Armenian Genocide but gradually made her way to America.  “Like the 6 million Jewish people lost in the Holocaust, Armenians lost an incredibly vibrant, successful and valuable gene pool of more than a million as a result of the Armenian genocide,” remarks Mouradian. She continued, “I found the heartfelt cooperation between the Museum of Tolerance and ANCA-WR on April 28 in commemorating the Armenian Genocide with the screening of MY MOTHER’S VOICE gratifying. The story of my mother, Flora Munushian, who at age fourteen was deported from her home in Hadjin, Turkey brings an epic chapter in Armenian history to life. Flora’s voice is that of all the victims and survivors of the Armenian genocide, a story that must not be forgotten.  Flora’s personal story has opened the door to a deeper understanding of the suffering of our two peoples.”

Following the screening, Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian was invited up to make his remarks where he recognized the importance of sharing these stories of survival, “From the Armenian Genocide to the horrors of the Holocaust, we have too often seen that the world will continue to suffer genocide until we emphatically reject hate in all its forms and hold accountable the perpetrators of crimes against humanity,” says Councilman Krekorian. He continues, “Each year in the City Council, we honor those whose lives have been irreparably affected by the Genocide and the Holocaust, including this past April, when survivors of both atrocities stood side by side. It was a historical and emotional moment that reminded us all to never forget our shared history and commitment to justice.”

The movie screening was followed by a spirited panel discussion by Kay Mouradian, Mark Friedman, Director of My Mother’s Voice, and Harut Sassounian, Publisher of The California Courier. The panel was led by Liebe Geft, Director of the Museum of Tolerance.  The panel discussion, was fueled by a multitude of questioned for the audience where it became further  obvious how important this film is to Dr. Mouradian, “this has been 20 years in the making,” she remarks.  “In my earlier years I didn’t listen to my mother as she spoke about the horrific ordeal of the Genocide, but in her later days I sat by her and truly believed that it was my duty to publish her story of survival from the Genocide.”

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.

Karabakh Recognition – Press Release.pdf
Resolution.pdf
Letters of Support.pdf

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: April 11, 2013

Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

A Twelve Hour Journey of Faith In The ANCA From Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming – When Stephen Haroian stepped foot in his pickup truck on the morning of March 2, 2013 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he was going on more than a simple car ride. Stephen, a native son of Edwardsville, Illinois – about 30 miles from St. Louis, Missouri – was going on a six hour journey from his new hometown in Wyoming to an Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Town Hall meeting in Boise, Idaho.

“When I met Stephen in Boise last month at our ANCA Town Hall meeting, my first reaction was, wow, this guy was willing to drive a total of 12 hours to come to a meeting about the Armenian Cause,” remarked ANCA – Western Region Executive Director William Bairamian. “That, I thought, is real dedication. The more I learned about Stephen, the more I saw an individual who embodies the best of our ANCA activists around the nation – selfless, smart, and devoted to our common Cause.”

Stephen grew up just outside of St. Louis, attending St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Granite City, Illinois. When he was 10, he joined the Granite City “Antranig” AYF chapter and spent his summers at AYF Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts. Stephen also attended AYF – Eastern
Region Junior Seminars held in the small western Pennsylvania town of Butler.

When it came time for college, he went to the University of Wyoming in Laramie and later decided to stay and work in the Mountain West as an oilfield geologist.
Though he no longer works as a geologist, he has lived in Wyoming ever since.

“My family has always been an inspiration to me and from a very young age they instilled in me the pride and importance of preserving our cultural heritage. My grandfather, Mitch Kehetian, always allowed me to peruse and raid his bookshelves full of literature about Armenia,” said Stephen.

The journey to Boise, Idaho from Jackson Hole, Wyoming for Stephen was more than a trip of 375 miles. It was more than a trip on roadways, like State Routes 31 and 26 and Interstate Highways 15, 86 and 84 that crisscross across the great American West. The journey for Stephen was one defined by his faith and family and defined by his belief in the Armenian Cause championed by the ANCA around the nation.

“I drove 6 hours one way on a Friday to make the town hall meeting that evening and on Saturday I drove the 6 hours back home. When I learned that the town hall meeting was happening in Boise, I knew that I just absolutely couldn’t allow myself to miss it,” remarked Stephen.

The ANCA Town Hall in Boise, Idaho attended by Stephen was a small gathering of Idaho’s Armenian American community and was reminiscent of the town hall meetings once held in small towns across the United States. The meeting was led by Johnny Kazian, an 80-year-old Korean War veteran, who once starred in films as a Hollywood stuntman and later worked as an oil field engineer. Today, Johnny is a leading force for the Armenian Cause in Boise, Idaho.

As Stephen Haroian met with ANCA Executive Director William Bairamian in the basement hall of the quaint Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Boise, he could not have known how proud his family, including his mother Janet, father Michael, and grandparents Rose Sarkisian Kehetian and Mitch Kehetian, would be. Days later his family would see Stephen’s photo at the ANCA Town Hall on Facebook and share how proud they are of him for fighting the good fight for the Armenian Cause.

The ANCA Town Hall in Boise, Idaho that Stephen attended is part of a broad slate of town hall meetings being held across the Western United States. From Fresno, California, Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona, ANCA Town Hall meetings are being held across the nation consistent with the ANCA’s belief in grassroots organizing and activism.

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: Photo, William Bairamian (l) and Stephen Haroian in Boise, Idaho

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

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 4, 2013

Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CONNECTS ON HAI TAHD CONCERNS AT ANCA TOWN HALL

FRESNO, CA – Fresno, the epicenter of the California Central Valley, known as the breadbasket of the United States, is home to one of the oldest and largest Armenian communities in the country. The birthplace of Saroyan and the final resting place of national hero Soghomon Tehlirian, the history of Fresno is intertwined with the history of the Armenian people. It is also where the ANCA-WR recently hosted an ANCA Town Hall.

Promoted by the active ANCA-CA Central Valley chapter, the event successfully brought together community members who were both longtime activists and newly interested to hear and discuss ways to advance the Armenian Cause. An open-dialogue, the Town Halls have provided an opportunity to grassroots supporters of the ANCA to meet and interact with each other and ask pressing questions integral to continuing dialogue.

“Our town halls, including this one in Fresno, have allowed us to not only report to our communities throughout the western United States about the work of the ANCA but also learn about the readiness of our community members to use their experience, conviction, and resources in the furtherance of the Armenian Cause,” said ANCA-WR External Affairs Deputy Tereza Yerimyan.

The community in Fresno, one of the oldest and most vibrant, was invigorated and excited as they left the Town Hall and talked about their next initiatives that would continue to inspire the community and continue to make the ANCA the strongest grassroots Armenian advocacy organization in the United States.

The strong team of activists led by ANCA-CA Central Valley chairman Paul Jamushian, including Arthur Hampar, Peter Sanikian, Stephanie Stockdale, Vahagn Bznouni, Sevag Tateosian, Nishan Der Kalustian, Garo Atikian, Levon Yepremian, and recently hired staffer Marine Vardanyan, left no question that the ANCA and the storied Armenian community in the Central Valley has a bright and promising future.

The next ANCA Town Hall meeting will take place in Phoenix, Arizona on April 7. The ANCA Town Hall meetings are being held across the nation consistent with the ANCA’s belief in grassroots organizing and activism.

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

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: March 21, 2013

Contact: Tereza Yerimyan
Tel: 818-500-1918

Activists From Across California To Meet In Sacramento for ANCA-WR’s Annual Advocacy Day

SACRAMENTO—Activists from across California will join the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) and the California State Legislature in commemorating the 98th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, April 15, 2013.

The day’s events will include an Advocacy Day where activists will visit various legislators’ offices to advocate for issue of interest to the Armenian American community in California, a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on the State Senate and Assembly floor, as well as a photo exhibition in the Capitol’s Rotunda showcasing
Armenian-American inventors who have contributed to the State of California and the United States.

“This year’s Advocacy Day is of particular importance as we come off an election year in which a large freshman class of legislators has been elected,” said Armen Garabedian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR’s Governmental Affairs Committee. “It is imperative that we educate freshman and senior legislators alike on the historical importance of genocide and genocide prevention and its impact on current affairs in the Golden State.”

Historically, Advocacy Day has attracted more than 150 activists from across California and has served as an important opportunity to educate, motivate and activate advocates on the legislative process as well as issues that will impact Armenian Americans living in the Golden State.

This year, the activities will kick off on Sunday evening with a light social mixer at a local bar in Downtown Sacramento where activists from across California will have the opportunity to meet and greet with one another. Advocacy Day will officially be underway on Monday morning, when activists will have a first hand opportunity to witness the floor vote commemorating the Armenian Genocide in the Senate and Assembly chambers, participate in a reception in the State Capitol where they will meet and greet with advocates from across the State as well as various public officials, and also view a powerful exhibit showcasing monumental contributions from Armenian American investors in the field of medicine, engineering, among other areas.

Those interested in attending should register at
http://www.itsmyseat.com/ancawr. Transportation and lodging will be provided. The bus will depart from the Pasadena Armenian Center on Sunday, April 14 and will return the following evening, on April 15. Registration is $40 for students and $60 for everyone else. Space is limited.

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: Photo, Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian with ANCA-WR activists