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South Bay AYF Hosts Annual Genocide Museum

Torrance, CA- The Armenian Youth Federation’s South Bay “Potorig” Chapter will host its second annual Armenian Genocide Museum on Thursday April 12th at 5:30 PM at the South Bay Armenian Center (2222 Lomita Blvd. Lomita, Ca 90717).  In its inaugural year last year the event showcased important information about the Armenian Genocide and exposed to the non-Armenian South Bay community the atrocities of the Genocide.

The museum features themed rooms in chronological order according to the timeline of the Genocide, modern activism and Armenians in the media, and Armenian Genocide Monuments around the world. As a centerpiece, a scale model of the Armenian Genocide Monument in Armenia, Tzisernakabert will be featured. The Potorig chapter hopes to attract a diverse crowd from the South Bay community and beyond, including students from local high schools and organizations.

The night will also include a special screening of the widely acclaimed documentary “Grandma’s Tattoos” at 8:30 PM. The film follows Susan Khardalian’s journey to find the truth behind the mysterious tattoos that covered her late grandmother’s face and hands.

The AYF South Bay Potorig Chapter invites the community to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

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2nd Annual ‘ONE VOICE, ONE CAUSE’ Youth Rally

Join AYF Glendale Roupen Chapter for the 2nd Annual ONE VOICE, ONE CAUSE Youth Rally on April 15th!

Help us bring together Armenian Youth, listen to Armenian bands, eat Armenian food and exercise your right to freedom of expression!

Entertainment for the night includes ELEMENT, ARMENIAN PUBLIC RADIO, PALM OF GRANITE, and more! Admission is free!

WHEN:
Sunday, April 15th at 5 PM

WHERE:
Outside St. Mary’s Church
500 S Central Ave, Glendale, CA 91204-2007

 


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Freedom Fighter Campaign to Screen Artsakh Film

Q & A with Director, DVD Signing, and Cocktail Reception to Follow Screening

DATE: Thursday, April 5

TIME: 7 – 10 PM

LOCATION: Hollywood Armenian Center (1611 N. Kenmore Ave., Los Angeles, CA)

ADMISSION: Free and Open to the Public

The With Our Soldiers campaign aims to raise awareness about the history, figures and key developments in the Artsakh liberation struggle.

As part of this campaign, the AYF is teaming up with the UCLA Armenian Students’ Association, Glendale College Armenian Student Association, and ARF “Shant” Student Association for a screening of Roger Kupelian’s award-winning documentary, “Dark Forest in the Mountains.”

“Dark Forest in the Mountains” chronicles the history of Artsakh and the lead up to the liberation struggle using a mix of digital animation, on-the-ground footage and expert interviews. It also features gripping first-person accounts from those involved in the struggle.

The event will also feature a special presentation of the film’s sequel, “Hands and a Homeland,” which picks up where the documentary left off, featuring interviews with those involved in the war 10 years later.

For more information, visit www.WithOurSoldiers.com or contact (818) 507-1933.

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AYF Accepting Applications for Nanor Krikorian Memorial Scholarship

The Armenian Youth Federation Western Region is now accepting applications for the 2012 AYF Nanor Krikorian Memorial Scholarship, a merit based award for high school and college students seeking financial aid to further their education.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to financially assist hard-working students who not only strive to achieve academic excellence but also display outstanding activism within their communities while making significant, progressive changes,” says AYF Central Executive member Sanan Haroun.

The scholarship awards graduating high school seniors and college students of Armenian descent grants to fund their pursuit of higher education. Scholarship awards of $1000, $500, and $250 are given annually to qualified students who go through the application process and show exemplary merit. Particular emphasis is placed on a student’s public service and extracurricular activities in the community.

“The AYF will always continue to encourage and support bright minds whose intelligence surpasses the scope of the classroom and digs deep into the grassroots level within the community,” added Haroun.

The application requires the form, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online by April 15th, 2012. For questions or more information, contact the AYF Office at (818) 507-1933.

Managed by the AYF’s Educational Committee, the “Nanor Krikorian” Memorial Scholarship was established in March of 2003 in memory of AYF member Nanor Krikorian, whose life was tragically cut short due to cancer.

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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Making All The Difference

“Improvement begins with I.” – Arnold Glasow

After the camps wrapped up and after the long, sad flight back home from Armenia, the most common theme among the 2011 AYF Youth Corps participants was having the ability and confidence to say, “I made a difference.” Whether it be one child or twenty, I know I had some type of influence on them and felt I made an impact.

This is what the AYF Youth Corps program is all about: making a difference. Not only on the campers but also, unknowingly, on yourself. It’s about discovering a life outside of the comfort of your bubble; finding out how independent and strong-willed you really are; and, by learning something new every day, to empower the people around you.

By the time six weeks pass, the program leaves you with an improved version of yourself, constantly seeking new ways to continue improving. Your bubble will burst; you’ll see life in a new way and realize there’s more to the world than your surroundings.

To be able to live in Armenia is an experience all on its own. Six weeks may be short, but in reality it’s just enough time to plant roots in the country, yearning to do more once you come back. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your return trip while you’re still in the program. It becomes an addiction that’s worth being dependent upon.

Today, eight months later, I still remember the ecstatic looks on our camper’s faces every morning, the words of gratitude for our time spent with them, and the gripping hugs the day our session was over. These children become a part of you, the people you see on a daily basis become your friends and family, and the country becomes your home. I smile just thinking about it, and whenever I speak to someone about my experience, I end up trying to convince them to apply as well.

So I leave you with this: if you’re seeking a change from your ordinary ritualistic life, drop what you’re doing and apply to the Youth Corps program. You get so much more out of it than you put in, while making a difference that will echo for years to come.

So believe in yourself and apply today. Believe that you can be the change that is so desperately needed, and constantly tell yourself, “I can make a difference.”

– Knar Kahkejian –

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AYF Internship Application Now Available

Applications for the “Karekin Njdeh” Future Leaders Program are now available online. The comprehensive internship program is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the fields of public administration and public relations, while learning about strategic planning, human resource management, program development, social media advertising, and political activism.

“Through the Karekin Njdeh internship program, the AYF is paving the way for young Armenians to advance themselves and their nation,” says AYF member and former internship coordinator Niree Kodaverdian.

Ideal candidates are outstanding high school or college students with a strong interest in social issues, excellent research skills, and possess the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner. During the 6-week long internship, participants are given an inside look at the AYF, gaining experience in working for a non-profit organization, leading projects, and compiling research. Interns also partake in a lecture series, unique outings, and various career building workshops.

Interns will also be assigned a personally-tailored final project which they will present at a closing ceremony at the conclusion of their internship. The final project is designed around the interns’ career goals, with the intent of helping advance the Armenian Cause.

Participants in the “Karekin Njdeh” Future Leaders Program not only gain leadership skills, but expand their network, boost their resume, and receive a certificate of completion.

To see if you’re a future leader visit http://prezi.com/loacbaxfa_zs/copy-of-ayf-karekin-njdeh-future-leaders-program-2011/.

Interested students should email their completed application form, resume, and brief personal statement to ayf@ayfwest.org by April 15th.

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..

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE

 

 
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Karin Ensemble Leads Dance Celebration, Offers Lessons

On the evening of February 12, the AYF and People for People Foundation hosted a special cultural celebration featuring Armenia’s award-winning Karin Folk Song & Dance Ensemble. Hundreds of community members, both young and old, turned out for the free event and danced the steps of their forefathers.

Fittingly, the Karin Ensemble made their entrance by dancing into the St. Mary’s Armenian Church lot—where the event was held—with full traditional garb and their own three-member musical team. The electrifying entrance captivated the audience and touched the soul of the participants early on.

Attendees then joined the group’s dances throughout the evening, not only learning about the meaning of these traditional Armenian movements but taking part directly in them.

Several members of the ensemble currently remain in Southern California where they are teaching these traditional dances to help preserve them within the Diaspora. Free practice lessons are available to those who wish to carry on the group’s work here locally.

Dance practices will be held on the evenings of March 4th and 9th at the Glendale Hamazkayin Center (407 E. Colorado Blvd, Glendale) and at the Orange County Armenian Center (5305 W. McFadden Ave, Santa Ana) on March 5th and 6th.

For more information, contact (818) 507-1933.

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With Our Soldiers Tees Benefit Freedom Fighters

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the heroic liberation of Shushi, the AYF is raising money to aid veterans of the Artsakh war still dealing with combat injuries. A special, limited edition tee has just been released as part of the campaign.

The “With Our Soldiers” crewneck features the campaign’s graphic on the front (courtesy of Roger Kupelian) and the slogan “Honoring the Heroes Who Served Our Nation” beneath the back collar. The price is $15, with all proceeds going to the medical needs of veterans of the Artsakh war in Armenia.

By purchasing a shirt today, you will be standing by the side of our valiant freedom fighters and giving back to them for all they have given us.


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Annual Seminar Focuses on Artsakh Freedom Fighters

This year’s annual ARF Badanegan Seminar dedicated its four-day gathering at AYF Camp to the victorious liberation of Artsakh and the freedom fighters who made it possible. Over 120 young participants from throughout California came together for the weekend to learn about the history, geography, people, government, and struggle of Artsakh.

“The energy level throughout the weekend was inspiring,” explains Berj Parseghian, a member of the Pasadena “Nigol Touman” AYF and one of the three directors for the weekend. “The badanees taught me a lot about the meaning of identity and contributing to not only our Cause, but all of humanity.”

The seminar agenda was packed with activities including lectures, a quizbowl, talent show, film screening, song recitals, and scavenger hunt. The topics discussed ranged from an Artsakh’s history and geography to a comparison of the 1988 liberation movement with the recent “Arab Spring” uprisings.

Unique to this year’s seminar was the involvement of two veterans of the Artsakh war, who shared their stories and experiences with the captivated badanees. They spoke about their involvement in ARF battalions that went to the front in Artsakh and succeeded in liberating areas such as Shushi against all odds. They also stressed the importance of youth in the movement and about the role of the Diaspora in sending assistance to the struggle.

Both veterans and other speakers during the weekend mentioned the importance of the AYF’s “With Our Soldiers” campaign, an initiative launched this year to create awareness about Artsakh’s liberation and to honor the heroes who fought for it. Funds raised through the campaign will go toward assisting veterans of the Artsakh war still suffering from combat injuries.

“This seminar was incredibly inspiring for me,” says Vache Thomassian, another of the co-directors at the Seminar and Chair of the ARF “Shant” Student Association. “It was a chance to meet the next generation of AYF members and have in-depth discussions with them about our history and our future, all while having a great time.”

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