Los Angeles, CA – Community Activist Patil Aslanian is one of four participants of the Armenian National Committee – Western Region’s Autumn 2008 Internship-Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP). Over the past several weeks, Aslanian has developed many important skills within the fields of administration and media. In addition to building media relationships, Aslanian continues to work on educational presentations for non-Armenians to raise awareness about issues of concern to the Armenian American community.

“The ANC is a grassroots organization that relies on the commitment and passion of volunteers,” said Aslanian. “Being an intern has taught me the value of contributing to the Armenian Cause – especially here in the ANC-WR office where I have learned that the ANC is an organization that defends Armenia both here in America and internationally,” she added.

Aslanian has spent her internship working on various assignments and projects including voter registration and a voter outreach program. “Every single person that votes makes a difference in every election; we have to get our voices heard, especially the youth,” remarked Aslanian.

Aslanian is a 3rd year senior currently attending the University of California at Irvine majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on Middle East Studies. After graduation, she plans on spending her year off participating in various internships, following which she plans to continue her education and attend law school.

Aslanian learned about the Internship-Externship Program through the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) as well as many of her friends who had previously participated in the program. She is currently an active member and serving on the executive body of the AYF – West San Fernando Valley “Sardarabad” Chapter. “So many other activists and friends had recommended the program that I knew I had to apply,” stated Aslanian.

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 – Patil Aslanian at ANC-WR offices.