SACRAMENTO, CA – 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 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.