AYF Convention Sets Course for Year, Elects New Executive

GLENDALE –Delegates from the Armenian Youth Federation’s 14 chapters convened over the weekend at the organization’s campground in Wrightwood for a three-day assembly which set the goals and direction for the upcoming fiscal year.

“The AYF Annual Convention is an opportunity for us to gather and discuss the critical issues facing our people and homeland, as well as the Armenian Cause,” said Tro Krikorian, from the Pasadena “Nigol Touman” Chapter, who served as the Convention’s co-chair.  “The discussions that took place here showed a clear consensus in the organization regarding where we need to go for the upcoming fiscal year, and the important role we need to play in the community as Armenian-American youth.”

During the course of the Convention, delegates engaged in lively and in-depth discussions on such key issues as the state of the AYF, enhancing community activism, establishing new means of outreach in the Western Region, and strengthening the organization’s presence in the homeland.

Delegates were joined by representatives from the Badanegan Central Council and the AYF Camp Management Board.  The AYF Executive Director Serouj Aprahamian, and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western Region Central Committee representative Shant Baboujian also attended the meeting.

The Convention concluded with the election of the organization’s new Central Executive. This year’s body will consist of five members from across California, whose function is to govern the administrative and organizational aspects of the AYF.

The elected members will serve in the following capacities: David Arakelyan – Chairperson, Allen Yekikian – Vice Chairperson, Avo Shanlian – Advisor, Kevork Tutunjian – Secretary, Sanan Haroun – Treasurer.

“The AYF remains committed to the advancement and engagement of Armenian youth in the United States,” said David Arakelyan, speaking on behalf of the newly elected body. “Though the challenges facing our community and our nation are formidable, we are determined to meet them and create a better future for the Armenian people.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational, and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.