Armenian National Committee of Arizona
13012 North Cave Creek Road, Suite 6
Phoenix, Arizona 85022
PRESS RELEASE
February 19, 2009
Contact: Berj Dikranian
ANC of Arizona Welcomes ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian for Issues Briefing
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Armenian National Committee of Arizona (ANC of AZ)
hosted its spring community issues briefing this past Sunday at the Armenian
Cultural Center’s Melikian Hall in Scottsdale, Arizona. Joining the ANC of
Arizona for the event was Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Chairman, Ken Hachikian and Armenian National Committee – Western Region
(ANC-WR) Community Relations Director, Haig Hovsepian. The two, along with
ANC of Arizona Chairwoman, Salpi Demirjian, updated the community regarding
the efforts of their respective organizations and Armenian American issues
being addressed in the national, regional, and local arenas.
"Having Ken and Haig to participate in our town hall meeting is especially
important as we start the new year," said Demirjian. "With a new Congress
and Administration as well as our own state and many municipalities
throughout Arizona all swinging into full session, it is important that we
do our best to educate the community on how issues of importance to them are
being addressed at all these levels and how they can get involved to help
make a difference," she added.
Since the ANC of Arizona’s previous town hall meeting in October, the ANC of
Arizona has been active on several fronts including participating in the
annual Scottsdale Armenian Festival, organizing a get out the vote effort
for the November General Elections, and participating in the ANCA’s National
Day of Service Project "Cans for the Cause" in which they collected nearly
600 food items for the Saint Mary’s food bank in Phoenix.
Hachikian discussed recent developments in the nation’s capital, including
the new Armenian Genocide resolution to be introduced by US Representatives
Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) and George Radanovich (R-CA-19). During the previous
Congress, over half of the Arizona Congressional delegation co-sponsored the
previous Armenian Genocide resolution, H.Res.106. Hachikian encouraged ANCA
activists to keep connected with the ANCA office in Washington, D.C. through
its website, He noted that grassroots efforts to educate
neighbors, friends, and elected officials are the foundation to success for
any issue addressed in Washington, D.C.
Hovsepian updated the Arizona community regarding the work of the ANC-WR and
its efforts to help local communities through leadership training and
workshops including a range of internship programs and volunteer
opportunities geared towards high school and university students.
"Having young Armenian Americans participate in these programs gives them
the inside scoop on the American political process and the importance of
public service," remarked Hovsepian. "Educational and leadership programs
such as the ANC-WR Internship-Externship Program in Los Angeles and the ANCA
Leo Sarksian Internship Program in Washington, DC are great resources for
young Arizonan Armenians to learn more and network with peers sharing their
passion," he added.
Demirjian wrapped up the presentation by discussing upcoming initiatives of
the Arizona ANC including genocide awareness programs and outreach to the
non-Armenian community.
"In the coming months there are going to be even more ways in which Arizonan
Armenians can get involved with the ANC of Arizona. We encourage everyone
interested in getting more involved to contact us and join us at one of our
upcoming committee meetings," she noted.
The ANC of Arizona advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and
political rights of the state’s Armenian American community and promotes
increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
It is the voice of this vibrant community which advances and enriches
Arizona.
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