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
February 18, 2010
Contact: Lerna Kayserian Shirinian
AYF TO LAUNCH "TEACHATHON 252" CAMPAIGN TO RALLY
SUPPORT H.RES.252
Los Angeles, CA-Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region (AYF-WR)
members from across the Western United States are vigorously
working to ensure the passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution –
H. RES. 252 – as the House Foreign Affairs Committee prepares to
mark-up the measure on March 4th. The AYF’s "Teachathon 252"
campaign seeks to educate the community about what they can do to
strengthen community and Congressional support for the measure.
"We are proud that AYF members can play a key role in promoting
awareness of the genocide resolution and rallying support for H.
Res. 252 in Congress," remarked AYF Central Executive Chairperson
Arek Santikian. "AYF members have been engaged in advancing the
Armenian Cause for 77 years, since our organization’s founding in
1933. We will channel our intellect and energy into this campaign
and move our Cause forward," he added.
The "Teachathon 252" campaign will engage all 14 chapters of the
AYF Western Region, from San Francisco, California to Houston,
Texas, to conduct grassroots outreach, phone banking, coalition
building and petition drives. Efforts are focused primarily in
Texas through the "Dro" Chapter and in the Arizona through the
"Kedashen" Chapter, where there are a significant number of
Representatives who serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Members of these AYF chapters have already been active in
encouraging their communities to write to their Representatives,
demanding passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
"We are impressed with the dedication of AYF members who understand
the power of grassroots activism," commented ANC-WR Government
Relations Director Lerna Shirinian. "AYF members reflect the best
of a new generation of Armenian American leaders who will be the
strongest of advocates for the Armenian Cause."
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), with chapters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around
the world, has grown to become the largest and most influential
Armenian American youth organization. Inspired by the past and
motivated by the needs of the future, the AYF actively strives to
advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness
of all Armenian youth. For more information about the AYF, please
visit
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest
Armenian American grassroots community 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 works to
promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.