Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
March 20, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian
Western Region Activists Take Anti-Genocide Message to Capitol Hill
Washington D.C. – Armenian National Committee – Western Region
(ANC-WR) activists, from all over Western United States, gathered in
Washington D.C. from March 12-14 to take part in the second annual
Capitol Hill advocacy campaign organized by the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) and Genocide Intervention Network
(GI-Net).
The event, titled "End the Cycle of Genocide: Grassroots Capitol
Campaign," took place over the course of three days and drew
constituents from California, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona as well as Texas
who, along with their counterparts from the Eastern United States held
over 100 meetings and relayed information to all Senate and House
offices regarding the Armenian Genocide and key Darfur legislation.
Students and professionals helped raise awareness regarding the real
world dangers resulting from Armenian Genocide denial particularly as
it relates to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan.
"It was an amazing experience and I look forward to Texahyes
continuing their regular participation in these advocacy days," said
Nathalie Kolandjian, a student at the University of Texas, Austin.
"These issues are very important to us and it is crucial to remind our
representatives that there is an active Armenian American community
back home that cares," she added.
Advocacy week participants also took the opportunity to explore the
Capitol and many of its historical attractions including the White
House, Capitol Hill and the Washington Monument.
"Our participation during this week of advocacy has given members of
our community an insight into the Washington, D.C. political
environment," noted Armen Donigian a participant San Diego, CA. "This
was a positive step in growing the relationship between San Diego
Armenian Americans and their local Congressional district offices," he
added.
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.
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Photo caption #1: (center) Congressman John Culberson (R-TX-07)
joined by (from left to right) ANC San Gabriel Valley Member Jack
Hadjinian, ANC Texas Activist and Constituent Nathalie Kolandjian and
Genocide Intervention Network Activist Colin Christensen.
Photo caption #2: Genocide prevention activists work together at the
ANCA office in Washington, D.C. preparing informational materials for
Members of Congress.