Armenian National Committee – Arizona
Chandler, AZ 85249
PRESS RELEASE
February 20, 2008
Contact: Salpi Demirjian
Email: [email protected]
ANC Town Hall Meeting Held in Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ – As part of an outreach program throughout the western
United States, on Sunday, February 17, 2008, members of the Armenian
National Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) traveled to Arizona to
visit with the local Armenian American community. ANC-WR Executive
Director Andrew Kzirian and Community Relations Director Haig
Hovsepian provided an issues briefing to a town hall meeting of over
70 attendees at the Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale’s Melikian
Hall.
"These town hall meetings provide local activists with vital
information," stated Kzirian. "It is critical that communities are
kept abreast of issues that impact Armenia and the Diaspora – from the
Armenian Genocide resolution to raising awareness about aid to
Armenia, support for Artsakh’s self-determination and education on the
election process – the ANC-WR remains at the forefront of outreach,"
he added.
After an introduction and overview of recent and upcoming activities
by Arizona ANC Chairwoman Salpi Demirjian, Kzirian focused on federal
and national issues related to H. Res. 106 and S. Res. 106 (the
Armenian Genocide resolutions) and governmental aid assistance for
Armenia and Artsakh. Kzirian also discussed raising awareness of the
election process and the importance of participating in government.
Hovsepian then concluded the presentation portion of the program with
a detailed overview of the many internship and volunteer programs
available through the ANC. All attendees then participated in a
vibrant and informative question and answer session.
The Arizona ANC chapter, which is based out of Scottsdale and Phoenix,
is composed of various community activists and has made enormous
progress in the past year. Working with Members of Congress and party
affiliates to encourage advocacy, the Arizona ANC has played a pivotal
role in representing the interests of the Armenian American community.
The Arizona ANC was instrumental in raising awareness of the Armenian
Genocide resolution with Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07) and
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ-08).
"The community had a great opportunity to meet with regional
representatives today," noted Demirjian. "We must continue to inspire
and motivate activists to make a real difference for the Armenian
Cause," she added.
ANC of Arizona advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and
political rights of the state’s Armenian American community and
promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the
grassroots and public policy levels.