The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region today announced plans to host its first Texas Advocacy Day on April 14, 2015 in Austin, Texas.

Expected to draw community groups, members, and activists from across the State, this one –day event is designed to connect constituents with their elected officials and bring the united voice of the Armenian-American community to the Texas Capitol.

“As we continue to work toward the reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide nationally and internationally, it is imperative to also focus our attention closer to home and educate Texas legislators on the historical importance of the Armenian Genocide, Artsakh’s continuous struggle and right to self-determination and its impact on current affairs,” stated Elen Asatryan, ANCA-WR Executive Director. “We call on every Armenian-American and human rights activist in the State of Texas to join us on this historic day as our presence in Austin is critical, particularly in the face of the increased Turkish and Azeri lobby in the State,” added Asatryan.

The day’s activities will include community briefings, capitol tours, and meeting with state legislators.  During the meetings, participants will educate their representatives on the proud chapter in Texas’ history that saved the Armenian nation from annihilation during the Armenian Genocide and advocate for issues of importance to the Armenian-American community including recognition of the Armenian Genocide and recognition and self-determination of Artsakh amongst other topics.  The ANCA WR Texas Advocacy Day will come just days before the Texas 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide scheduled on April 18th on the steps of the State Capitol building.

“The advocacy day organized by ANCA WR is a unique opportunity to be engaged as our civic duty and to promote issues of concern before elected officials. This is the first of its kind to be held in Texas.  I look forward to making this a great first experience and get as many Texas Armenians involved on this day which will prove to the Texas legislators the importance of the  Armenian communities around Texas and to bring the Armenian Cause to the forefront of the Texas Legislators,”stated ANCA Houston Chair, Vrouir Frankian.

“It is important for all Armenians to become directly involved in advocacy for issues that are important to our homeland. The Turks and the Azeri’s are well funded and our main tool of advocacy are the people in local communities. We may not have the numbers and we may not have the money, but we do have passionate Armenians who care. Please do your part to support this important event on April 14,” stated Mihran Aroian of Austin, Texas.

To participate, register online at www.ancawr.org/TXAdvocacyDay.   For more information about the 2015 ANCA WR Texas Advocacy Day email info@ancawr.org or call 818.500.1918.

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.

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