Los Angeles, CA – As a community and government affairs intern with the Armenian National Committee-Western Region’s Internship-Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP), Elsa Menounou is developing a variety of skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience. Elsa’s projects include investigating what is being taught in California high schools regarding the Armenian genocide and raising general public awareness of Greek media coverage of the genocide.

“I participated in the program because I consider it to be a great opportunity for me to observe functions and practices that are closely related to my field of studies, and being a part of the ANC means that I am involved in the matters that interest me the most,” said Menounou. “By participating in this program, I hope to gain experience and enrich my knowledge in the field of politics and organizations, while being of assistance through my work.”

Menounou has been working on many interesting projects, but is especially excited about compiling a collection of articles from Greek newspapers dating back to the 1909-1923 period. She is currently translating these articles in English and hopes to publish them soon.

“I strongly believe that this project can add much to what we already know of the events of that period. In addition, it adds to the body of historical evidence of the Armenian Genocide,” stated Menounou.

Elsa Menounou is currently pursuing her education in Political Science with an emphasis in Political Theory at California State University, Los Angeles as a graduate student from Greece. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and European Studies at Panteion University of Athens, Greece. After graduating, she hopes to work for an International or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

Prior to coming to the United States, Elsa worked as a volunteer for the ANC in Greece for two years. Her job there involved collecting articles from Greek newspapers of 1909-1923, regarding the Armenian Genocide, along with several other tasks.

“Continuing my work here in the United States while simultaneously advancing understanding of the Armenian genocide is an incredibly gratifying experience,” stated Menounou. The application for the 2009 Spring Session is now available and the deadline to submit is December 1st. For more information about the IEP and a downloadable version of the application please visit http://www.anca.org/gateway/gateway_overview.php.

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 – Elsa Menounou at ANC-WR offices.