This past year, AYF has marked 2012 to be the official year of the Azadamardig. The Year of the Azadamardig became a campaign known as “With our Soldiers”; this campaign was made to assist veterans of the Artsakh War with necessary medical treatments. Veterans have received treatment that included eye prosthetics and hearing aids, as well as surgeries in order to remove shrapnel that still remain in their bodies years after the war.

The Armenian Youth Federation Orange County “Ashod Yergat” chapter has been working diligently to promote the campaign with an event of their own. On Sunday, March 3rd, the chapter will be having an Azadamardig event that will include special guest speakers, articles about the campaign, photographs, and articles about the veterans before and after their treatment. Admission to the event will be $10 and take place at the Orange County Armenian Center starting at 6:30 PM. Please come and take part in this event. Be a part of this cause so that we may keep the torch of our nation, and our nation’s future lit! Our soldiers and their families have contributed greatly to do so, and now it is our turn to contribute to them.

“Organizations exist only for one purpose: to help people reach ends together that they couldn’t achieve individually” -Robert H. Waterman

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.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Many Armenian youth living in the diaspora struggle to stay current with the daily issues occurring in Armenia. On February 11th, the Armenian Youth Federation’s San Francisco “Rosdom” Chapter, held a Youth Corps Fundraiser at Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. AYF Youth Corps is a six week summer program, which allows diasporan Armenians to establish a lifelong bond with their motherland and to help strengthen their homeland. The program consists of five weeks of volunteering at the day camps and a week of touring. There are also several excursions and activities that take place during the entire program.

The event was held in the church hall after church service. AYF member, Armen Samurkashian, took initiative and organized the event. With the help of the Rosdom Chapter Executive, he spent countless hours putting together his speech, designating a speaker, and preparing a tasty Armenian brunch menu for all to later enjoy. Armen states that “it was a lot of work, but it was worth it.”

Hoory Minoyan, who was the Youth Corps representative speaker, flew in from Los Angeles to share her experience and knowledge about Youth Corps. Hoory attended Youth Corps last summer, and stated that “it was the best experience of her life.” She advised many senior high school graduates that “the summer before your freshman year of college is the best time to go.” After Armen gave his welcoming remarks, Hoory was welcomed to the podium. She described the some of the camp sites, such as in Artsakh and Gyumri, as well as the activities that took place with the children. Hoory stated that her favorite camp site was in Artsakh, and that she didn’t want to leave.”

The main goal of Youth Corps is to allow Armenians of the Diaspora to have a direct impact on the lives of impoverished kids and their families. The program dates back to 1994. By the time the cease-fire took place between Armenia and Azerbaijan, many villages were left war torn. The AYF, which was established in 1933, sent many Youth Corps volunteers to Artsakh to help rebuild these villages. Since 2007, the program has shifted its focus from rebuilding war-torn villages to running summer day-camps for the children of Armenia and Artsakh.

As the event came to a close, donations to the Youth Corps program amounted to over $1000. The program ended with many locals asking Hoory additional questions about the program and her experience. This year’s Youth Corps Committee is expecting to receive even more applicants, in order to send more youth to Armenia in order to change the lives of countless Armenian children.

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.

Contact: Rafi Orphali
Phone: (818) 507-1933
Email: ayf@ayfwest.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BURBANK, CA : On Saturday, February 10, 2013, the Armenian Youth Federation- Burbank “Varak” Chapter hosted a walkathon to aid the Armenians currently residing in Syria. This event raised funds, as well as awareness within the community, for the Syrian Armenian Crisis.

“Those currently residing in Syria live in a very dangerous environment as the civil war continues to ignite violence and destruction throughout the country,” said Armen Tashjian, one of the walkathon participants. Schools, churches, homes, and community centers have been torn down. Crimes of kidnapping, murder, and torture have been executed by rebel and militant forces. As a result, thousands of Armenians have been displaced, while others continue to struggle living in the midst of a cross-fire.

Registration began at 10:00 a.m., where dozens of concerned community members signed up to participate in the walkathon. At approximately 10:45 am, the eager participants began their 3.5 mile walk toward the Burbank Youth Center. During the walk, volunteers passed out informational postcards to stores and pedestrians on the way. The participants reached their destination at 12:45 pm. Upon arrival, a member of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, Mher Tavidian, spoke about the organization, highlighting what it does and how it’s effective .

“It was great to see AYF and non-AYF members alike unite under a common cause to show that we care about the well-being of brothers and sisters in Syria. As diasporan Armenians, it is our duty to offer helping hands to fellow Armenians who are in need of aid,” said Harry Pehlivanian, a member of the AYF-Burbank “Varak” Chapter.

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.

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If you would like more information on this topic, or would like to find out how you can help, please visit the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund’s website: www.syrianarmenianrelieffund.org

Contact: Stepan Keshishian
Tel: (818) 507-1933
E-Mail: AYF@AYFwest.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GLENDALE, CA: Members of the Armenian Youth Federation Western USA met with former Armenian parliamentarian, Lilit Galstyan, this week for a Q & A session regarding the current state of Armenia.

The discussion took place at Sardarabad Bookstore, whose unique atmosphere serves Los Angeles area Armenians as an important source of cultural wealth and knowledge.

The youth engaged former ARF-D Member of Parliament, Lilit Galstyan, with questions pertaining to Armenian politics, the upcoming elections in Armenia, and the ARF’s vision for the next term. The interview will be featured in the upcoming edition of Haytoug Magazine, which is the official publication of the AYF. The Haytoug represents the voice of the youth, and focuses on addressing critical issues that are often left overlooked by other media outlets.

“This discussion provided an excellent opportunity to gain insight on issues of great political significance that, in the coming months and years, will affect the lives of millions of Armenians worldwide,” states AYF member, Verginie Touloumian. “We urge all Armenians and anyone interested in the politics of the region to stay tuned for this edition in the coming weeks, as it will provide a first-hand account of the political climate in Armenia.”

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.

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