ANCA Opens its Doors to Kurdish American Youth Activists

In the Fall of 2008, a special all-day workshop for young Kurdish American activists was held at the headquarters of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) in Washington, DC. Young advocates for the Kurdish Cause from such organizations as the Kurdish American Youth Organization (KAYO), Kurdish Human Rights Watch, and the Kurdish Youth Club came from various cities across the United States for the day long advocacy training.

The gathering served as another instance of the ANCA’s ongoing commitment to reach out beyond the Armenian American community and find common cause with others struggles for basic human rights. Whether it be fighting to end the genocide in Darfur, promoting public service in American society at large, or allying with Greeks, Kurds, and others who have faced the brutality of the Turkish state, the ANCA has repeatedly proven itself prepared to extend a hand of solidarity to movements for social justice.

Welcoming remarks and the opening workshop was delivered by Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. Tying in the experiences of Armenians and other human rights struggles, Hamparian emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing as the key ingredient for making your voice heard in the American political process. “You can’t outsource the Kurdish Cause,” insisted Hamparian, noting how effective advocacy must be rooted in the community and centered around principles of authenticity, devotion, and intelligent action.

Delving into the nuts and bolts of everyday advocacy work was the ANCA’s government affairs staff. They focused on how to best craft a message when dealing with elected officials and public representatives. In addition to offering various insights, they also discussed how to research information on members of Congress and track the activities of lobbying firms working for the government of Turkey.

Turning to the arena of media was the next presenter, ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian, who expanded upon the points raised about messaging in the previous presentations and focused on the basics of media outreach. Her workshop gave special attention to the issue of utilizing technology and mediums such as the internet as part of an effective, overall grassroots strategy.

Finally, a power point presentation on how to empower youth was offered by Serouj Aprahamian, the then Director of the ANCA’s Capital Gateway Program. After first enumerating the many reasons why youth play a critical role in successful community activism, Aprahamian discussed some of the strategies for educating youth and engaging them as active participants in the political process.

After the presentations, an open discussion ensued in which the Kurdish activists reflected upon some of the challenges facing their community. In addition to expressing their views about the apparent obstacles that stand in their way, they applied some of the themes discussed during the workshop and suggested numerous ideas for how to overcome them.

The young Kurdish activists were clearly inspired by the presentations and the willingness of the ANCA to open its doors to them. Admiration of the Armenian community’s many achievements in the area of advocacy and organization was repeatedly mentioned by the audience. Many insisted that the work of the Armenian community, and the ANCA in particular, serves as a benchmark for their own aspirations.

Similarities between the Kurdish and Armenian people were also discussed by participants throughout the day, both in terms of cultural traditions and oppression faced at the hands of Turkey. “I am glad to see both our people put their resources together to fight for our rights and the injustices that have been committed against us by the Turks,” said one Kurdish attendee from southern California. “I think having gatherings like this is a great way to create a long lasting bond.”

Similar gatherings have gone on to be held with the ANCA and coordination with the young Kurdish American activists has continued into 2009.