Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) held its first monthly ANC-WR Public Policy Forum, a new series that was created to help young Armenian Americans understand and appreciate the importance of engaging government and media. The first forum focused on the role of American media in defining Armenian American issues, and took place on Wednesday, December 19, 2007, drawing together leaders of the Armenian Youth Federation.

“Helping our youth understand the important role media plays in defining issues is essential,” stated ANC-WR Board Member Zanku Armenian. “As a community, we must engage and improve our relationships with the media, helping them better understand the concerns of Armenian Americans,” he added. After introductory remarks by ANC-WR Executive Director Antranig Kzirian, Board Member Zanku Armenian led an interactive discussion with attendees. Armenian, who has an extensive background in public relations and corporate communications, provided a comprehensive overview of the media in the United States as it relates to politics, economics and government affairs. Specifically, Armenian stressed the importance of working closely with journalists to provide quick and easy access to accurate information. Armenian also focused on ensuring that activities of the community and organization are tied into current events and concerns that resonate with media interests. “Zanku Armenian’s experience in public relations provided a great overview of how to engage the media to our youth,” stated Kzirian. “We plan to continue these public policy forums to make sure that our leaders of tomorrow are well prepared advance issues important to the community,” he added.

The Armenian National Committee – 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 ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

### Photo caption #1: ANC-WR Board Member Zanku Armenian lectures on media at the ANC-WR’s December 2007 Public Policy Forum. Photo caption #2: AYFers look on during the lecture on media.