ANCA-WESTERN REGION 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Friday, January 3rd, 2014
ANCA-WR
ANCA-WR Mission Statement The Armenian National Committee of
America-Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots
advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in
coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations
around the country, the ANCA-WR works to promote understanding
regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community.
ANCA-WR Board chairperson Nora Hovsepian
Board Chairperson’s Message I have had the privilege of serving as the
Chair of ANCA WR for two years now though I have served in different
capacities within the organization off and on since the 1980’s. In that
time not a day has gone by that I was not inspired by the work that
is done here and the devotion and perseverance of the people who do
it. From the dedicated and committed volunteers who serve on the Board
of Directors and various committees, to our donors and supporters,
staff and interns, the ANCA is not just a community organization,
but a family that digs its roots deep and expands its branches far –
to fortify, advance and give voice to the Armenian-American community.
We have come a long way, and as our community has grown and evolved,
we have grown and evolved with it to make sure its needs are met. Our
programs have expanded, our staff has increased, and our reputation
and initiatives have become a model for others.
The work of our local chapters has now come to include many community
service initiatives like free legal clinics, community town hall
forums, voter education and registration, pathways to maximize civic
engagement in all levels of government, media response mechanisms,
and other means by which our community can fully integrate, all the
while continuing to stay true to our mission of fighting for Armenian
Genocide recognition and reparations, helping Armenia and Artsakh
develop and prosper, and working hard to ensure the safety and security
of our Homeland against all threats. This multi-disciplinary approach
is more important than ever as it is part of a long-term approach
in ensuring that we have thriving communities across the region that
will help bring justice and accountability in all levels of government
while simultaneously helping to advance the Armenian Cause overall.
In the past two years, we have also created an Advisory Board composed
of our elder statesmen who had the vision to create and develop this
organization and from whose institutional memory, collective wisdom and
diverse experience we have greatly benefitted. We are deeply grateful
to them, and to all of those who have supported the organization over
time and helped us to get to where we are today.
Despite the difficult economic climate, and the many challenges it has
brought, we have been able to continue and expand our work because of
such support and backing of our community. The many accomplishments
we have achieved this year are the result of this partnership and
teamwork. As we move forward, I know we will only be building on the
strong foundation that has been set, stone by stone, for so many years.
By standing together and continuing to develop mechanisms to strengthen
and amplify our community’s voice, I know we will reach even greater
heights of distinction and accomplishments as we continue to strive
toward our ultimate goals.
In Common Cause, Nora Hovsepian, Esq.
Chair, ANCA Western Region
ANCA-WR Board members meet with Calif. Governor Jerry Brown
Strengthening The Grassroots
Powering Up Our Local Chapters Recognizing that our strength lies in
the incredible work conducted by our local chapters in their respective
communities, one of the major undertakings of the ANCA Western Region
in 2013 has been to strengthen and work more closely with our local
chapters. Through allocation of additional resources and support from
the ANCA WR Board liaisons and staff, our local chapters are able to
with greater ease successfully implement programs and initiatives.
The ANCA WR now works alongside with local chapters toward cultivating
relationships with local public officials and entities, is more
involved in community activities and community development, and helps
promote grassroots activism on a local level to be utilized at the
state, regional and national levels in advancing the Armenian Cause.
The results of this effort in the past year have been incredible,
as we have witnessed existing and new chapters become more organized,
active and proactive in addressing issues in their local communities.
Expanding Our Reach Through Town Halls In an effort to educate and
remain in close ties with existing ANCA local chapters and establish
new chapters in the region, the ANCA WR conducted a number of town
hall meetings in Idaho, Texas, Arizona, San Diego, Seattle, Nevada
among other locations.
Given the incredible response by local community members to attend
the town hall meetings and their eagerness to start a local chapter
or become involved with an existing one, the ANCA WR will continue
to host similar community gatherings to engage communities outside
of its headquarters base in Los Angeles, CA.
Making Our Community’s Voice Heard Through Hye Votes In 2012, the ANCA
WR launched the very successful Hye Votes initiative as a region wide,
non-partisan program to engage community members in the electoral
process. The Hye Votes efforts in coalition with our local chapters,
a network of non-profit organizations, student groups, and community
members, are intended to register and encourage the community to vote
in the Elections while also serving as a source for voter information.
For the 2012 Presidential Elections, the 2013 Los Angeles Mayoral
Elections, and more recently for the Montebello City Elections, Hye
Votes along with area specific ANCA WR local chapters, coordinated a
multi-faceted civic participation campaign designed to walk first-time
and disadvantaged voters through the entire political process. The
components of the campaign included: voter registration, voter
education, voter mobilization, voter assistance, voter research,
voting rights advocacy and get-out-the-vote efforts.
The aforementioned combined with on-the-ground field organizers,
advertising, direct mail, trainings, phone banking, and canvassing
resulted in over 5,500 additional registered Armenian voters and
unprecedented turnouts in the Elections by the Armenian-American
community. Given the success and the importance of the initiative,
the ANCA-Western Region is currently in the midst of establishing a
Hye Votes task force to be comprised of representatives from local
chapters to continue implementing the initiative across the region.
California state and local officials during the ANCA-WR trip to Armenia
Elevating Awareness And Advocacy
Legislative Affairs 2013 has been an extremely busy year for the
ANCA WR in the area of legislative affairs. We continued to stand
strong on issues of importance to the Armenian-American communities
by working closely with our national office on proper recognition of
the Armenian Genocide through the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice
Act that was recently introduced in the US House of Representatives,
calling upon the White House and Congress to prominently display
the Armenian Genocide Orphan Rug at the Smithsonian, activating
our grassroots to voice opposition on US strikes against Syria,
and advocating for foreign aid to Armenia and Artsakh.
Moreover, in order to have a stronger presence in the CA State
Capitol and take proactive steps in minimizing the recent efforts of
infiltrating the CA legislature by the Turkish and Azeri lobby, the
ANCA Western Region hired a Legislative Affairs Director to educate
elected officials, hold regular meetings, cultivate relationships,
and work on policy issues as they relate to the benefit of the Armenian
communities in the region, Armenia, and Artsakh.
All the while, our local chapters took on demanding proper
representation in their city institutions, opposing electrical fee
hikes that would heavily impact the livelihood of the Armenian-American
residents in their region, partnering with their school districts to
ensure that Armenian parents and students with language barriers were
able to successfully navigate the education system, and serving as the
bridge between issues in city departments and their Armenian-American
constituency.
Meetings With Officials The ANCA WR held more than 150 meetings in
2013 with just state and federal level elected officials to educate and
advocate on issues of concern to the Armenian-American community. This
high volume number of meetings does not include those held with local
elected officials, appointed high level administrators, any meetings
held by the ANCA National Headquarters, or the local chapters of the
ANCA WR.
Groundbreaking Delegation Trip To Armenia And Artsakh In an effort
to establish direct ties between U.S. elected officials and the
Homeland by providing policymakers with a first-hand understanding
of the rich Armenian history and culture, the ANCA Western Region
helped organize a delegation of prominent city and state officials
for a 5 day in-depth visit to Armenia followed by a two day visit to
Artsakh. The groundbreaking trip, which took place from September 17 to
September 24, 2013 was hosted by the Governments of Armenia and NKR,
and facilitated by the Consul General of Los Angeles in coordination
with the California State Assembly and the City of Los Angeles.
The delegation included CA State Assembly Speaker John Perez,
Assemblymembers Katcho Achadjian, Cheryl Brown, Adrin Nazarian,
Scott Wilk, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield
and Paul Krekorian, Assemblymember Nazarian’s Chief of Staff Dan
Savage, Councilmember Krekorian’s Chief of Staff Areen Ibranossian,
Communications Director Jeremy Oberstein and Director of Planning
and Land Usage Karo Torossian, ANCA WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, and ANCA
WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. The ANCA WR intends to organize
similar trips on an annual basis.
2013 ANCA-WR Advocay Day in Sacrament
Advocacy Day In Sacramento On April 15, 2013, the ANCA WR hosted more
than 200 activists from all over California for its annual Advocacy Day
and for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in the California
State Legislature.
Community activists of every age spent the entire day advocating
issues concerning the community by educating their legislators
about the consequences of the denial of the Genocide, while viewing
the month-long exhibit of Armenian American inventors that have
contributed to the well-being of the American population. Participants
also observed the State Assembly’s and State Senate’s commemorations
which recognized various community groups including the ANCA WR. The
day’s events were highlighted by passage of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution in both chambers of the State legislature.
Candidates’ Forum In order to bring together large segments of
the Armenian-American community to hear and interact with political
candidates at the local, state, and federal levels of government, the
ANCA WR organized numerous town-halls and debates during elections. The
most successful of these forums/debates was the Berman and Sherman
debate as it was the first time we watched incumbent congressmen
debate issues of importance to Armenian-Americans that was also aired
live nationwide.
ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan speaks to college students
about Hye Tad
Investing In The Future
ANCA WR Internship Program Acknowledging the importance of providing a
pipeline of support to the next generation of our community’s leaders,
the ANCA WR re-launched its internship program for the 8th year in
May 2013, while our Glendale Chapter kicked off its 7th year, and
our Crescenta Valley chapter established one for their region. This
selective, part time, leadership training program provides high
school and college students as well as recent college graduates an
opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of community issues
as well as advocacy efforts on the local, regional, and federal
levels. During their tenure, interns are given valuable opportunities
to interact with public officials, develop leadership and advocacy
skills, represent the ANCA WR at community and media events,
organize various grassroots campaigns and events, work with staff,
Board members, committee members, and local ANCA chapters as well
as attend weekly educational lectures. The multi-faceted internship
compounds professional skill-building with networking opportunities
to promote well-rounded individuals to serve in our community and on
future ANCA Western Region and local chapter committees. The program
hosts spring, summer, and fall sessions.
ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program In that same spirit, the
ANCA WR also sponsored two local students to participate in the
prestigious ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program in Washington,
DC. The Internship program, now in its 29th year, provides Armenian
American youth leaders from the across the U.S. an opportunity to
learn first-hand about the inner workings of the American political
system during its eight week training session in the nation’s capital.
ANCA WR-AYF Mentorship Program In the summer of 2013, ANCA WR partnered
with the Armenian Youth Federation Western Region to establish a
mentorship program for the youth in the area. Through this new program,
ANCA Professional Network members are paired with AYF members to assist
them with such matters as choosing a college, college applications,
professional development, and professional internships.
Path To College Program (PTC) Originally launched by the ANCA
Glendale Chapter in 2007, the PTC program consists of a series
of forums organized to educate the non-English speaking immigrant
Armenian population about the multitude of opportunities available
to secondary school students. Though the program is geared toward the
non-English speaking immigrant population, it is open to all students
and parents who need assistance.
The objective of the program is to increase high school retention
and admission to college. The forums cover such topic matters as
high school graduation requirements, 4 year plan, English Language
Development classes, the college application process and deadlines,
financial aid, SAT & ACT college admission exams, how to write personal
statements, and the difference between community colleges and 4-year
universities. Given the success and the need in our communities for
such services, the ANCA WR brought the PTC program on the regional
level to help organize similar forum across the region using the
Glendale model.
Key Events
ANCA Grassroots Conference In 2013, the much anticipated Grassroots
Conference returned Thanksgiving Weekend, bringing together 31 expert
panelists and more than 550 hundred activists from all over the world
to analyze issues related to the Armenian Cause and to develop and
promote new avenues of leadership and advocacy. The ANCA Grassroots
Conference has been established as a bi-annual event.
ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet The premier annual fundraising event
for the ANCA-WR, the 2013 Annual Banquet Gala was attended by more
than 1,000 activists, supporters, donors and public officials who
came together to acknowledge the work of the organization and to
pay homage to the 2013 honorees Primate of Artsakh Archbishop Barkev
Martirosyan, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Legendary Coach Jerry
Tarkanian, Lifelong Philanthropist Manas Boujikian, Assemblymember
Katcho Achadjian, and Activist and Filmmaker Ara Soudjian for their
contributions to the Armenian Cause.
ANCA-PN Destination Weekend The inaugural event was successfully held
in October, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will hereafter be organized
bi-annually, alternating years with the ANC Grassroots Conference. The
locale will change each year with the goal of bringing together
young Armenian professionals from all over the world to network,
share ideas, identify mentors, socialize, and share their interest
in the Armenian Cause.
ANCA-WR Board of Directors and staff
How does all of this happen? It’s Simple… Through Grassroots Efforts
Because we have a proven track record and the work we do is so
critical, we have hundreds of dedicated community members across
the region who serve on our regional and local boards, committees,
and subcommittees, while others graciously contribute financially to
make our programs and initiatives possible. No matter the size of the
group or task being completed, all of our dedicated volunteers play
a vital role in helping us fulfill our goal of educating, motivating
and activating our community, all the while demanding accountability,
proper representation, and justice from our representatives.
2 Ways You Can Help
1. Donate We rely on region-wide monetary donations for the bulk of
our operating funds. No matter how large or small. Every donation
helps keep our lights on and fuels our advocacy, community outreach,
civic engagement, youth, and development programs. A $15 donation
allows us to purchase a case of paper, while a $100 donation covers
the monthly bill of keeping our community informed of issues that
are important to them through monthly e-newsletters.
You can be sure that we will stretch every dollar of your donation
and ensure that your voice will be heard through local, state, and
federal government agencies and grassroots action on the issues that
matter to you most.
4 Ways To Donate 1. ANCA WR 2. Become a monthly ANCA WR donor.
3. Earmark Your Donation to the ANCA WR Initiative You Care About
Most. Note: Contributions, gifts, and dues to the ANCA WR are not tax
deductible. They support our effective, citizen-based advocacy efforts.
4. Make a tax-deductible gift to the ANC WR and help us continue our
education and community outreach efforts.
Visit to contribute today.
2. Get Involved Contact us at: ANCA Western Region 104 N. Belmont,
Ste. 200, Glendale, CA 91206 (818) 500-1918 [email protected]
facebook.com/ANCAWesternRegion twitter.com/ANCA_WR
ANCA WR LOCAL CHAPTERS
Bay Area Facebook.com/ancasf [email protected]
Burbank 75 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, CA 91502
facebook.com/ANCABurbank [email protected] (818) 562-1918
Central California 2348 Ventura St., Fresno, CA 93721
facebook.com/ANCACentralCalifornia [email protected] (559) 233-2315
Crescenta Valley 2633 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
facebook.com/ANCACV [email protected] (818) 527-6361
Glendale 211 W. Chestnut St. Ste. 302, Glendale, CA
91204 facebook.com/ANCAGlendale
twitter.com/ANCA_Glendale [email protected] (818) 243-3444
Hollywood Facebook.com/AncaHollywood [email protected] (323)
642-8561
Houston [email protected] (281) 202-8274
Orange County facebook.com/ancorangecounty
Pasadena 2242 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
facebook.com/ANCA.PasadenaChapter [email protected] (626)
356-3674 Ext.103
Sacramento [email protected] (626) 394-9832
San Fernando Valley East [email protected]
(818) 497-8790
San Fernando Valley North [email protected] (818) 468-7007
San Fernando Valley West facebook.com/ancasfw [email protected] (818)
533-1918
San Gabriel Valley anca-sgv.com facebook.com/SanGabrielValley
[email protected] (323) 728-6493
ANCA WR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nora Hovsepian, Esq., Chair Steve Artinian,
Treasurer Garo Madenlian, Esq., Secretary Armen Abrahamian Pattyl
Aposhian-Kasparian Oshin Harootoonian Arpie Jivalagian, Esq.
Raffi Kassabian, Esq.
Karo Khanjian Patil Aslanian, AYF Central Executive Liaison
ANCA WR ADVISORY BOARD Seto Boyadjian, Esq., ANCA National Board
Member Steven Dadaian, Esq.
Raffi Hamparian, ANCA National Board Member Berdj Karapetian Levon
Kirakosian, Esq.
Michael Mahdesian Harut Sassounian Mourad Topalian
ANCA WR STAFF Elen Asatryan, Executive Director Tereza Yerimyan,
Government Affairs Director Haig Baghdassarian, Esq., Legislative
Affairs Director Armine Der Grigorian, Accounting Talar Malakian,
ANCA-Glendale Executive Director Nare Kupelian, ANCA-San Gabriel
Valley Executive Director Patil Derderian, ANCA-Crescenta Valley
Executive Director Ani Nazaryan, Banquet & Grassroots Coordinator
ANCA WR GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Armen Garabedian, Esq.,
Chair Raffi Kassabian, Esq., Board Liaison Arpie Jivalagian, Esq.,
Board Liaison
ANCA WR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK Linda Adran, Chair Raffi Kassabian,
Esq., Board Liaison
ANCA WR EDUCATION COMMITTEE Alice Petrossian, Chair Berdj Karapetian,
Board Liaison
HYE VOTES TASK FORCE Karo Khanjian, Board Liaison
ANCA WR CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Garo Madenlian, Esq., Board
Liaison
ANCA WR NEAR EAST RELIEF CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE Ayk Dikijian, Esq.,
Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq., Board Liaison
ANCA WR SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE Aida Yeghiazarian, Chair Pattyl
Aposhian-Kasparian, Board Liaison
ANCA WR FUNDRAISING & MARKETING COMMITTEE Aida Dimejian, Chair Steve
Artinian, Board Liaison
ANCA WR INTERN ALUMNI COMMITTEE Tatev Oganyan, Co Chair Tamar
Thomassian, Co Chair
Educate Motivate Activate
From: Baghdasarian