Los Angeles, CA – Members of the Armenian Youth Federation from all over Southern California gathered at the ANC-WR headquarters in Glendale, CA on March 19, 2008 to participate in the ANC-WR monthly public policy forum. This month’s workshop was presented by Glendale City Clerk, Ardashes Kassakhian and was comprised of various topics, including the importance of community activism and voter registration in the upcoming 2008 presidential elections.

“It’s important for today’s young Armenian Americans to take advantage of opportunities to involve themselves in the American political and electoral process.” said Ardashes Kassakhian, Glendale City Clerk.

This installment of the ANC-WR Public Policy Forum aimed to encourage attendees to take a proactive role and stronger interest in their local communities and government affairs.

Los Angeles, CA – Over sixty members of the Homenetmen Western United States attended Azkayin Shkanshan from March 7-9 at the recently acquired Homenetmen Camp Tecuya in Frazier Park, California. The event, intended at presenting both an historical overview of late 19th century Armenian politics and an overview of issues of concern to Armenian Americans today, was attended by Homenetmen scouts from Southern California, Fresno and Las Vegas.

The program, organized by the Homenetmen Western United States Regional Scouting Council, featured a presentation by Raffi Hamparian, ANC-WR Board Member. Hamparian provided participants with a historical and contemporary overview of the Armenian cause.

Attendees also prepared hundreds of letters to Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing thanks for her efforts in bringing H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution, to a vote during this term of Congress.

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.