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The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 30; July 28, 2007
Interviews:
1. An Interview with Brad Sherman
By Khatchig Mouradian
2. Three Questions to Frank Pallone
3. ‘We Are Very Nimble, Therefore Very Effective’
An Interview with ARS Eastern USA Chairperson Muriel Parseghian
By Khatchig Mouradian
4. ALMA Recharges for the Coming Year
By Andy Turpin
***
1. An Interview with Brad Sherman
By Khatchig Mouradian
WASHINGTON (A.W.)-Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) serves on the
House Committee on International Relations. I talked to him on July 16
about the Armenian Genocide Resolution and the prospects of passing it
in the Committee and later in the House of Representatives. To watch the
video of the interview, visit
Khatchig Mouradian-Congressman, now that we have a majority in the House
supporting the Armenian Genocide Resolution, where do we go from here?
Brad Sherman-Well, we got to go to Committee. There, my biggest fear is
the weakening of the resolution. As you know, six of us introduced the
resolution and I’m the only one who was on the relevant committee at the
time. And my fear is some will say they would support the resolution but
ask for amendments. There are some amendments we can support. I, for
one, wouldn’t mind if this resolution, with all humility, pointed out
that the United Stated has done some terrible things in its history, and
that we’re not lecturing others without looking at ourselves. We’ve
passed many other resolutions in this Congress talking about the
terrible things the United States has done in its history. So [our next
step is] getting it through the Committee, and having a Speaker who has
the courage to deal with the president when they try to vilify her for
bringing this bill up.
K.M.-And how is the situation in the Committee now?
B.S.-We have co-sponsors representing roughly half of the Committee. A
number of people are not co-sponsors in the Committee but will vote for
it. Timing is part of this. Do we get a chance to mark it up in July? Do
we have to wait till September?
And the other part is: Can the other side come up with some sneaky
amendment (and their goal would be to eliminate the word genocide)? I
mean, this resolution has many words, but there’s one word that has to
be in it. And I’ll be there fighting in Committee. We’ve gotten through
the Committee before, and we have to do it again, because we have a
speaker who has the courage to put it on the floor.
K.M.-You referred to the "other side." Can you talk about this other
side and how they’re mobilizing in recent years?
B.S.-The Turkish government has hired the most expensive lobbyists here
in Washington. They are flying my colleagues to Turkey for trips and
they are making a variety of claims as to how the resolution would
affect U.S.-Turkish relations. They fail to talk about how Turkey
reacted to the French Parliament when it passed a similar resolution.
French exports to Turkey have almost tripled since then.
We’re up against two of the most powerful former members of Congress
[Dick Gephardt and Bob Livingston] who have been hired for some of the
largest fees.
K.M.-What are the chances of having the resolution put on the floor?
B.S.-Pelosi is dedicated, but the community has to remember that the
attack will come to the White House, and that attack will be the
questioning of the dedication of all of us to the national security of
America.
They will say, "Aha! You are hurting our troops in Iraq." They will go
beyond that and will claim that this is somehow politically motivated
and is simply catering to one particular community. The fact is that
this resolution represents the truth, and we in our Committee just a few
weeks ago voted to chastise Japan’s sexual enslavement of women during
World War II. And if we can criticize Japan, we can criticize Turkey.
K.M.-Why is it important for the United States to stand up and recognize
a genocide that took place 92 years ago in a different part of the
world?
B.S.-First, recognition is important because of what it means to the
Armenian community and to those who actually survived those terrible
events. Secondly, genocide denial is the last step of genocide: You
destroy the people, and then you destroy the memory. Genocide denial is
also the first step of the next genocide. After the Rwandan genocide,
others in Africa thought they could get away with genocide in Darfur.
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2. Three Questions to Frank Pallone
WASHINGTON (A.W.)-On July 16, following up on an interview conducted
with Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) in March (see April 7 issue), the Weekly had
a brief and candid discussion with the Congressman on the Armenian
Genocide Resolution. To watch a video of the interview, visit
Khatchig Mouradian-Congressman, four months after we last spoke, we have
a majority in the House co-sponsoring the Genocide Resolution. Where do
we go from here?
Frank Pallone-Well, we got to pass the resolution. [Laughs.] I think the
most important thing is that we have spent this time basically gathering
more support. As you have mentioned, now a majority of House
members-both Democrat and Republican-have signed on as co-sponsors. I
think the campaign that the Turkish government and their lobbyists have
waged has basically not worked, and at this point we’re just trying to
see if we can get this bill through a committee and put it on the floor
for a vote. The only problem we have is that now it is mid-July, and the
Congress goes out of session in about two weeks or so. So if we can’t
get it up by the end of July, we would have to wait until September. And
it’s not clear at this point whether or not we’ll be doing it this month
or in September, but I think the momentum continues to build.
K.M.-Speaker Pellosi has always been supportive of the Genocide
Resolution. What are the chances of her actually pushing this to the
very end?
F.P.-I have no doubt that this bill is going to be voted on. It’s going
to come out of Committee and voted on the floor in this session of
Congress. I think it’s just a question of when.
K.M.-We talked about the opposition last time as well. Now that we have
a majority, what’s the plan of the opposition?
F.P.-I’m sure they’ll try to continue to ask Congressmen to withdraw
their names even though they’ve already co-sponsored. They’ve been doing
that for some time. So as we continue to get more co-sponsors, they
continue to try to get people to withdraw their co-sponsorship. I don’t
really know that in the court of public opinion, meaning the media in
general, the opposition is having any impact. But they’ll continue to
try to lobby individual Congressmen.
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3. ‘We Are Very Nimble, Therefore Very Effective’
An Interview with ARS Eastern USA Chairperson Muriel Parseghian
By Khatchig Mouradian
Muriel Parseghian has been a member of the ARS Lowell Lusintak Chapter
for over 25 years. She is currently serving her third stint as
chairperson of the ARS Eastern USA. (One was in the early 1990s and the
other was six years ago. She is now in the final two years of the
current term.) "We have term limits, which is great because you cannot
continue to serve at the high level that the position demands, and
because, more importantly, it gives a wide range of individuals an
opportunity to lead," she says. "I have served on the Board with dozens
of different members. And I learned and continue to learn from each and
everyone one of them," she adds.
I spoke to her on July 22 about the challenges facing the organization
that she has served for a quarter of a century, and the work that is
being done by the ARS Eastern USA.
Khatchig Mouradian-Anniversaries are a time for celebrating and
recognizing past accomplishments. They are also an opportunity to
evaluate the work done and, if need be, chart a new course. On the
threshold of the 100th anniversary of the ARS, what are the challenges
facing the organization and what suggestions do you have for adapting to
the challenges and changes in today’s world?
Muriel Parseghian-The challenges are many but there are two major issues
facing the organization here in the United States as we approach our
100th anniversary. One issue is external and the other is internal.
The first one has to do with American society. Most ARS members no
longer live in neighborhoods or cities that have high concentrations of
Armenians. We are dispersed throughout the Eastern U.S. Most members do
not even see each other until their monthly meeting. That was not the
case a decade ago. Furthermore, our members are women who for the most
part have a job or careers, and are raising a family and are responsible
for the welfare of their parents. They essentially have three jobs. The
time and effort they can put into a volunteer organization is limited.
Therefore, what they cannot do with quantity, they now need to
compensate with quality. We need to learn to use our time and effort in
a more intelligent manner.
The second issue facing our organization is not unique to the ARS. We
have three generations of women active in the ARS. Each represents a
different mindset, a different cultural perspective. It is a challenge
to make sure that all voices are heard and a consensus is built around
those varying points of view.
K.M.-You cite two major challenges to the organization. How is it trying
to adapt to these challenges?
M.P.-We use technology to communicate. The internet has been an
invaluable partner to help us get the word out among our members. Within
a few minutes we can get the word out to the majority of our members.
Also, members have become specialists. In the past, everyone did a bit
of everything. We have members now focusing on one or two projects, from
the inception to its conclusion, thus eliminating the need for the
larger group to be involved. We need to do a better job at adjusting to
these new realities. But we have recognized the challenge and have begun
to implement some solutions to the problem. We still have a long way to
go.
As for the second challenge, the various mind-set within a chapter, we,
the leadership, encourage chapters to flourish within their own
environment. By that I mean that we do not have a cookie-cutter approach
to how a chapter should function. They have to follow the rules and
regulations of our organization and follow our Constitution, but within
those parameters they are free to focus on the activities that their
chapter membership sees as part of the ARS mission. There is some
flexibility.
K.M.-What initiatives are being taken in preparation of the 100th
anniversary by the ARS in general, and the ARS Eastern USA in
particular?
M.P.-The ARS Central Executive has launched a major campaign to
establish a $5 million endowment fund for the ARS. Additionally, a 100th
anniversary of the history of the ARS is being written and will be
published on the occasion.
Here in the Eastern USA, we have a very active committee, which is not
only concentrating on raisings funds but also on celebrating 100 years
of service to the Armenian community.
We have already had a number of successful fundraising efforts,
including a silent auction in Detroit last fall, and the successful tour
of Pierre Shammasian theater troupe in Washington, Watertown and New
Jersey. But there are a number of other events currently in the planning
stage that we will soon be announcing. All of our 33 chapters are
committed to making this campaign a successful one.
We also have a number of prominent members of the community, ARS and
non-ARS members, who have graciously agreed to serve on this region-wide
committee, including long-time Armenian Weekly columnist Tom
Vartabedian. We will soon be announcing some of these activities as we
begin to implement them.
K.M.-Can you provide more details about the initiatives of the ARS
Eastern USA in the context of the ARS Endowment Fund?
M.P.-The fundraising effort is being conducted on a number of levels. On
the local level, chapters are directed to devote at least one
significant event to fundraise for this effort. On the regional level,
we have tentative plans for a golf outing in Florida or perhaps
Virginia; a commemorative book, called "A Century of Memories," which
will chronicle the ARS in the Eastern USA and honor the memory of our
past members and the fundraising will culminate in a gala dinner dance
in 2010.
Of course, many of our benefactors and supporters who have generously
donated to previous fundraising efforts have already indicated they will
participate. We are also relying on the thousand of scholarship winners
and Summer Studies students who benefited from the programs the ARS
offered and are now in a position to financially acknowledge their
gratitude.
K.M.-There are currently many organizations in the Armenian-American
community that providing humanitarian, educational, social and medical
assistance to Armenia and Armenian communities in need of such
assistance. Do you think these organizations need to cooperate or
coordinate their work, especially in Armenia? Any suggestions regarding
this issue?
M.P.-My answer may be a bit controversial, but it is no. I do not think
these organizations have an obligation to their membership, to their
benefactors or to the Armenian people to coordinate and cooperate. They
need to be effective and productive-that is their major obligation. If
they cannot do that, then their mission will fail and the viability of
such an organization will be limited.
Having said that, sometimes it is more effective if they do coordinate.
But that would have to be on a project-by-project basis. I am sure there
is duplication of effort, but that reality is not limited to the
humanitarian efforts in Armenia. Here in Massachusetts, we have dozens
of non-profit who provide the same service but they all approach their
mission from a different angle. The same thing can be said of what is
happening in Armenia.
K.M.-Talk about the challenge of recruiting young members. How can we
make involvement in organizations like the ARS appealing to the youth?
M.P.-We have some built-in advantages.They are called mothers,
grandmothers, aunts and mother-in-laws. We are a very welcoming
organization. Most of our meetings are conducted in English, and the
appeal of volunteerism mixed with an all-women organization has a strong
appeal to our younger members. Where we are not so successful is having
them take on leadership positions.
K.M.-Talk about the main accomplishments of the ARS Eastern USA in the
past decade.
M.P.-By far it is the amount of funds we have raised and distributed
here in the United States and in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk. Just this
past year, the ARS and its 33 chapters donated over $250,000 to schools
for education, humanitarian relief and cultural programs. This is
repeated year after year. The vast network that we have is highly
efficient in raising and distributing funds.
Let me give you two examples of recent years:
Last July as we were finishing our Regional Convention, the conflict in
Lebanon broke out. As you know, the Armenian community in that country
had to provide medical aid and shelter to their countrymen who were
fleeing their bombed out homes. After the plea for assistance came,
within a matter of hours we had raised $5,000 through our chapters and
were able to transfer the funds immediately. Within a few weeks, our
total had reached $30,000.
The other example is when Hurricane Katrina took place. I received a
phone call from a representative of the Armenian church in Louisiana.
Although the majority of the Armenian residents of New Orleans were
safe, staying with friends and relatives, they had no access to their
funds. As the U.S. government was working out the details of the
assistance, we were able-through the efforts of our chapters-to send
these families some funds to sustain themselves until the official
bureaucracy came to their assistance.
We are very nimble, therefore very effective.
K.M.-How were you introduced to the ARS?
M.P.-I came to the ARS the same way a lot of others have, through my
mother and the AYF. The ARS has hundreds of AYF alumnae in its ranks,
many in leadership positions. What I like about the ARS is that it is
goal oriented. We decide what we want to achieve, layout the plan,
execute it and then evaluate the impact. Granted, our plans may not be
as lofty as some other organizations, but a lot of small steps lead to a
few giant leaps.
Also, I love the fact that the ARS is a grassroots, volunteer,
predominantly woman’s organization that crosses generational, economic,
social and educational boundaries. It is a very large and welcoming
tent. I always feel as if I am learning and teaching at the same time.
K.M.-How should people who are reading this interview proceed if they
want to get involved in one way or another with the work the ARS is
doing? Who should they contact about membership or to give donations?
M.P.-The best way is to contact our office by phone, at (617) 926-3801,
or by e-mail to: [email protected] or [email protected].
We have a full-time executive secretary, Vartouhie Chiloyan, who can
answer any question. We can then have their local chapter contact them
if they are interested in joining or participating in local activities.
We welcome all donations of course. We receive both general donations
and those earmarked for particular projects. We are a 501(c), non-profit
registered organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
And I and the other Board members are always available to discuss the
ARS programs.
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4. ALMA Recharges for the Coming Year
By Andy Turpin
WATERTOWN, Mass. (A.W.)-The Armenian Library and Museum of America
(ALMA) has been having a record year in terms of attendance and
popularity. The museum’s new director, Mariam Stepanyan, talked to the
Weekly about these achievements and what the public can look forward to
in the fall from ALMA.
Stepanyan assumed the position of director in July. Since joining ALMA
in 2005, she has worked closely with the staff and board to bring the
organization to a new and improved level of operation. In this brief
time, she has implemented numerous cultural and educational programs,
helped organize art exhibits, jazz concerts and has played an integral
role in various fund-raising events.
While there were several art exhibits in ALMA’s Contemporary Art
Gallery, there have not been new exhibits in the Museum itself since
spring due to building renovation projects. "The building is undergoing
major renovations with the replacement of the HVAC [Heating Ventilation
Air Conditioning] system. The renovations may not appear as noticeable
on the surface, but they allow ALMA to be much more energy efficient and
environmentally friendly, and to ensure the climate control of the
exhibit areas," Stepanyan said.
New Exhibits
Regarding new exhibits featuring the Museum’s collections, she said, "On
August 19, ALMA will open an exhibit called ‘Genatsed! Vine and Wine in
Armenian Culture.’" The exhibit, curated by ALMA intern Sarita Olson,
takes a look at Armenian viticulture history, wine production, and the
grape as an artistic motif. Olson is an art history senior at Boston
University. The exhibit will be on display through January 2008.
ALMA’s exhibit "Who Are the Armenians?" will open in the fall.
Consisting primarily of colored photographs and text, it offers a
sweeping glance at Armenian history and culture in capsule form from
pre-Christian times to the modern-day republic. Designed by a special
exhibit committee consisting of Haig Der Manuelian as chairman, Arakel
Almasian, Elisabeth Kenosian and the late Charles Kenosian, this
two-year effort seeks to achieve the difficult task of tersely depicting
3,000 years of a rich and turbulent history in a relatively limited
exhibition area. The exhibit was made possible by a generous
contribution by the late Ann Nahigian, a former long-standing ALMA
trustee and one of its first benefactors.
Forgotten Heroes
Also in September, a new traveling exhibit titled "Forgotten Heroes: The
Armenian Legion in World War I" will be available for display in
libraries, museums and universities nationwide. "We have received
requests to exhibit it in Pennsylvania, California and Michigan.
September is the anniversary of the Battle of Arara in Palestine, the
major victory of the Armenian Legion," Stepanyan said.
The Armenian Legion was established in 1916 after the events of the
Battle of Musa Dagh under the French-Armenian Agreement. It is often
characterized as being part of the French Foreign Legion. This is in
part true as it was composed mainly of foreign volunteers and male
genocide survivors, but was separate from the other French fighting
force although members of both served together in the Middle East.
Jazz Nights at ALMA
Of singular success has been the popularity of ALMA’s Jazz concert
series, "Jazz Nights at ALMA," which has attracted a wide market of
attendees.
"We’ve had a lot of people come to concerts recently that are
non-Armenians," Stepanyan said. "When people approach us and express
their appreciation for the music, I ask how they found out about the
series. Many of them have read about it in the Boston Globe Calendar or
seen the flyers at the Berklee College of Music. They sign up to the
mailing list to get announcements about upcoming concerts. It’s good to
show the non-Armenian community that we have really great musicians and
performers in the community. The Armenian community is a power-house of
musical talent."
The Jazz Series is ongoing. Upcoming fall concerts in the series will
include "K&S World Jazz" at 8 p.m. on September 14; "MUSANER Folk Jazz
Band" at 8 p.m. on October 19, and "The Armen Donelian Trio" at 8 p.m.
on November 16.
Outreach
In terms of ALMA’s outreach activities, ALMA husband and wife curators
Gary and Susan Lind-Sinanian recently returned from a Tufenkian
Foundation-sponsored trip to Armenia and Karabakh. The Lind-Sinanians
were invited to provide technical assistance to the Shushi Museum in
Karabakh.
"They were integral in assisting the renovation of the Shushi Museum,"
said Stepanyan. "They designed the layout of the proposed new galleries,
and explored issues related to conservation, library layout, artifact
storage and museum lighting," she said.
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