ARF Engages with Youth During Educational Weekend

By Carnie Armenian

STRATFORD, Conn.—Members of the Armenian Youth Federation-Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern Region had the chance to discuss and pose their questions about the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and all aspects of the organization in Stratford during the weekend of November 8-10. Members of the AYF-YOARF engaged in a lively and active conversation about the ARF’s agenda, its standards of operation, and the pillars of the organization.

The active youth members of the AYF-YOARF, which represented many different chapters across the Eastern Region, had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming plans for the Armenian Genocide Centennial and to present their ideas to create a single unified front among all organizations globally, for a more effective impact in all communities. Khatchig Mouradian, editor of The Armenian Weekly, led the discussion, which included several topics, including insight on documentaries and films to be released about the genocide, the work of the AYF Tri-Regional Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee, and the significance of genocide recognition globally. Mouradian also inspired the group of AYF-ers by sharing his experiences and photographs from Western Armenia.

The second lecture focused on the process of joining the ranks of the ARF, which was presented by ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member Levon Attarian. During the discussion, Attarian shared his personal experience of becoming an ARF member and made it clear to the group that it is not a decision one should take lightly. He also explained how the Turkish lobby uses time as their weapon and therefore it is every Armenian’s individual duty to continue to advance our people’s cause at all costs and by all means, including cultural, political and educational strategies. Many interesting and pivotal questions and concerns were addressed after Attarian’s motivating presentation.

Ken Sarajian then discussed ARF’s role throughout history. Through interactive activities, Sarajian asked the youth in the room to question the organization’s program and its significance while understanding the difference and similarities between the agendas of the ARF and the AYF-YOARF. The day’s last lecture was delivered by Dikran Kaligian, who discussed the history of the Armenian community in the United States and how it has evolved today.

The informative educational weekend concluded with a panel discussion featuring Attarian, Sarajian, Kaligian, along with Sarine Adishian. The discussion focused on why each member joined the ARF and allowed them each to elaborate about their activity within the organization over the years. Many interesting questions were posed to the panelists, which led to further discussion. Together, the group discussed the youth’s role, the role of the ARF both in the community, homeland, and globally, and the future of the organization and our role in Armenia and the Diaspora.

ARF Weekend 2013 was an educational gathering for everyone in attendance and was the perfect environment for Armenian youth to be better acquainted with the 123 year old organization.

Carnie Armenian is a member of the Greater Boston Nejdeh chapter.