PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2009
Contact: Michael A. Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
SENATOR WYLAND ADDRESSES ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF SAN DIEGO ON IMPORTANCE
OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
La Jolla, CA – California State Senator Mark Wyland (R-38) addressed an
audience of Armenian-American students at the University of California,
San Diego (UCSD) at the invitation of UCSD Armenian Students’
Association (ASA) and the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
Wyland spoke about the significance of grassroots activism in reference
to California Senate Bill (SB) 234, commonly referred as the "Genocide
Awareness Act," as well as his support of educational initiatives aimed
to teach high school students on the importance of history as a tool to
prevent genocide.
"I really enjoyed speaking to this group of Armenian university students
and discussing the importance of students learning about all aspects of
world history, including genocide education, and such a study must
include the Armenian Genocide," stated Senator Wyland, adding, "I
especially appreciate the efforts and involvement of these students in
civics and our democracy."
The Assembly, an early proponent of the measure authored by Senator Mark
Wyland, activated its ARAMAC grassroots network in California to
encourage support and passage of the bill. The bill requires the
California Curriculum Commission to vote on the inclusion of an oral
history component related to genocides as part of its high school
curriculum, including the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
The Assembly, during the August district work period, met with Senator
Wyland to commend him for his initiative in keeping California at the
forefront of national politics as it pertains to human rights education
and genocide prevention. During the meeting, Senator Wyland expressed
interest in speaking to the Armenian youth throughout San Diego County
after hearing about their involvement in organizing the annual April
24th Genocide Commemorative Committee in San Diego County and in
advocating for passage of SB 234.
The hour-long discussion took place during the ASA’s first annual
meeting of the school year with over 80 students in attendance. Students
displayed a keen interest in learning about Senator Wyland’s interest in
genocide-related issues and in better understanding the politics in
Sacramento.
"On behalf of our executive team, I would like to thank Senator Wyland
for making time to speak to our group, the UCSD ASA," stated Nare
Avagyan, ASA President. "I am pleased with the number of people that
showed up, as well as the level of interest from the students. We hope
to be more involved in the community."
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.
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NR#2009-074