Armenian Youth Federation-YOARF Eastern US
80 Bigelow Ave
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel. (617) 923-1933
Fax (617) 924-1933

PRESS RELEASE ~ October 11, 2005
Contact: Sossi Essajanian
(617) 923-1933
pr@ayf.org

AYF Eastern Region Members Gather in New Jersey for Annual Seminar

WATERTOWN, Mass.?On October 8, members of the Armenian Youth
Federation (AYF) Eastern Region gathered in Paramus, N.J., for the
organization’s annual Senior Seminar.

Participants from Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, New
Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C., attended the seminar, which
included lectures on the current status of the organization; an
overview of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF); and a
discussion on what it means to be Armenian.

Lead by AYF regional advisor Zorab Khaligian from Racine, Wisc., the
group talked about the dimensions of what it means to be Armenian and
what types of activities are included in its definition. Khaligian
asked the group to put the discussion into perspective. “We have all
of this commitment, socialization, but what are we doing with it?
Going with the flow and being at events is great, but what about
taking the next step? If you remain stagnant, then there will be no
AYF,” said Khaligian.

During their on the ARF by ANC of New Jersey chairperson Ani
Tchaghlasian, the group reviewed the goals of the organization, the
goals of the AYF, and talked about the life of members who are in both
organizations.

“We have our monthly meetings to discuss chapter dynamics and the
successes or failures that occur within our own cities. It is
important for us, however, to take time out to meet with the leaders
and active members of other chapters to discuss our organization as a
whole,” said Philadelphia AYF chapter president Anglela Deese, who
attended the seminar. “This year’s event was a chance for us to
discuss those issues, such as the ways in which we can run the AYF
most efficiently and successfully. I believe that a weekend like this
helps us take ownership of the AYF; this is easy to do within our own
communities back home. But we must remember that we are part of a
group of youth striving for the same goal, and as a part of ARF youth,
we strive for this goal not only in our own cities, but with the rest
of our ungers all over the world,” she said.

Later that evening, the group gathered at the Aladdin Restaurant in
Hackensack, N.J., to enjoy food and dancing.

“I believe that this meeting was a successful event for two
reasons. First, it addressed important issues that our organization
faces and presented solutions. And secondly, the lectures and
discussions were different than the usual take on the subjects,” said
New Jersey AYF attendee Razmig Tchaghlasian.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) serves as the
youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(YOARF). The AYF stands on five pillars that guide its activities:
education, political awareness, fellowship, athletics and
culture. Moreover, the AYF promotes a fraternal attitude of respect
for the diversity of ideas and individuals amongst its
membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow
members of the organization to work together and realize its
objectives.