About anca

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the grassroots advocacy organization representing the views and values – the rights, interests, and aspirations – of Armenian and allied Americans from all fifty states. Working in close coordination with a national network of regional offices, local chapters, and grassroots supporters – alongside our coalition partners and international counterparts – the ANCA continues its century-long service to the cause of Armenian liberty and policy priorities of special concern to Americans of Armenian heritage.

The main goals of the ANCA are:

>> To foster public awareness in support of a free, united and independent Armenia;

>> To influence and guide U.S. policy on matters of interest to the Armenian American community;

>> To represent the collective Armenian American viewpoint on matters of public policy, while serving as liaison between the community and their elected officials.

>> To cultivate the next generation of Armenian American leaders through youth empowerment and career development initiatives.

The Armenian National Committee of America is active in several areas and engages in a wide variety of political and educational activities, including:

>> Initiating legislation on issues of special concern to the Armenian American community, such as strengthening Armenia as a secure, prosperous and democratic state; supporting Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh)’s rights to return and self-determination and independence within secure borders; increasing U.S. aid levels to Armenia to ensure its security and promote economic development; ensuring the appropriate commemoration of and education about the Armenian Genocide; and encouraging Turkey and Azerbaijan to end their aggression and adhere to international standards for human rights and humanitarian practices.

>> Participating in the American electoral process at the federal, state, and local levels by educating elected officials about Armenian American issues and providing Armenian American voters with up-to-date information about the positions of candidates on Armenian American concerns. The ANCA regularly endorses candidates, organizes voter registration drives, and distributes Candidate Questionnaires, Congressional Report Cards and Election Guides to Armenian American voters.

>> Empowering the next generation of Armenian American leaders through a range of youth development and career advancement programs. The ANCA offers nationwide internship opportunities, career development workshops, and mentorship initiatives – most notably through the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship and Maral Melkonian Fellowship, ANCA Rising Leaders Program, and Kasparian Summer Academy – which provide young Armenian Americans with the tools, experience, and networks needed to succeed in public policy, government, and community leadership. These efforts are central to the ANCA’s long-term mission of fostering civic engagement and building a strong, capable voice for the Armenian American community across all levels of public service.