AYF Burbank “Varak” Chapter Organizes Centralized Educational

Burbank, CA – The AYF Burbank “Varak” Chapter hosted a centralized educational on July 22nd entitled “Wildlife in Armenia” given by unger Kevork Babayan. Several chapters attended the educational to learn more about the natural biodiversity present within Armenia and its surrounding regions.
The educational started off by introducing the Caucasus Ecoregion as a whole. The varying topography of the region, which includes the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountain Ranges, the Southern Caucasian Uplands, and the Transcaucasian Depression, allows for the diverse grassland steppe, marsh, forest, and alpine ecosystems. This variation of habitat is what makes the Caucasus a “hotspot,” meaning it has a higher level of plant and animal diversity compared to the neighboring regions of Europe and the Near East.
Also highlighted in the educational were the various protected areas found within Armenia. Sevan National Park, as well as Khosrov, Dilijan, and Shikahogh State Reserves, are the most vital for habitat and species protection. Maps of the reserves were used to show their respective locations.
The final half of the educational introduced some of the diverse animal life found with Armenia. Various images depicted species such as the Armenian Rock Lizard, Syrian Brown Bear, Armenian Gull, Pallas’s Cat, Sevan Trout (Ishkhana Tsoog), and Armenian Mouflon. A species of significance was the Nearer Asian or Caucasus Leopard with only about 5-8 individuals found in Armenia as well as 5-7 estimated in Karabakh.
The lecture, along with questions from those attending, helped expose members to some of the biodiversity found within Armenia.
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our 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.
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Armenian Youth Federation Announces Large Scale Clean Up of Little Armenia

Los Angeles – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region announced Monday that it has begun the planning and organization of its annual large scale clean up of Little Armenia, entitled “AYF Gives Back to Little Armenia” set for Sunday, October 7, 2007.
The clean up, now in its 5th year, is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti’s office and co-organized with the joint efforts of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, St Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, ARF Karekin Njdeh Gomideh and Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter. Efforts to beautify the streets of this district of Hollywood will begin at 9:00 a.m. with an opening ceremony, including remarks by Councilmember Garcetti as well as with the blessings of Reverend Father Vicken Vassilian.
Last year the AYF Little Armenia Clean Up attracted hundreds of volunteers who, according to the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department, collected more than 23,000 pounds of trash. In conjunction with the clean up and in cooperation with local businesses, the AYF also was able to erect about 40 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light post banners throughout the area.
“It is an honor for the Armenian American community to have an area of the city of Los Angeles named after our homeland,” said Vache Thomassian member of the AYF-WR Central Executive. “Keeping the streets of Little Armenia beautiful is our responsibility as Armenians and as Angelinos.”
The AYF counts on the support of the Armenian American community to make this event a success. Those who are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event should email AYF@AYFwest.org or call our offices at 818.507.1933
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our 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.
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AYF Youth Corps Participants Arrive In Yerevan

GLENDALE – The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office announced that the participants of the 2007 AYF Youth Corps program arrived in Armenia on Friday.
The 15 participants, from all over the America, will stay in Armenia and Karabagh during their 45 day trip. Most of their time will be spent renovating a youth center and teaching English and computing to schoolchildren in Stepanakert, the capital of Karabagh. The group members will live life amongst their brethren in our homeland and will see Armenia in a profound way. Participants will have a chance to meet government officials and local Armenian youth in an effort to assist them in the rebuilding process following their liberation struggle and in order to experience life as they do. “I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in a program that not only includes education but also hands on work,” said participant Sose Thomassian.
The Youth Corps program will culminate with participation in the ARF Bureau Youth Jamboree which will take place from August 9th to August 16th. The eight-day Jamboree will serve as a remarkable opportunity for Western Region AYF members to meet AYF members from around the globe, in Armenia.
The AYF Youth Corps program was created after the Karabagh cease-fire in 1994. “Now in its 13th year, it continues to serve our cause by connecting Diasporan youth with their homeland in a meaningful and compelling manner; not simply as a tourist,” stated AYF Central Executive member and Youth Corps alumni Vrej Haroutounian
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has grown to become the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization; with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Inspired by our 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.
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