76th Annual AYF Senior Convention

By Michelle Hagopian

COLLINSVILLE, Ill.—When you hear the words “Armenian Youth Federation,” what runs through your head? It might be the life-long friendships you’ve formed or the sporting events in which you’ve participated. It could be the fun-filled weekends or volunteering in your local community. But, I bet few of us conjure up an image of 40 AYF members sitting in a meeting room for hours on end making decisions that will influence this organization. This image, otherwise known as Senior Convention, is perhaps the most significant event over the course of an AYF year.

Delegates from AYF chapters across the country gathered in Collinsville from Dec. 26-30, 2009 to weigh in on the past year. The event, hosted by the Granite City “Antranig” Chapter, was brought back to the southern Illinois area for the first time in 10 years. Despite the frigid temperatures and unexpected snow, delegates came to the Mid-West to make an impact on the future of the AYF.

The convention started on Saturday night, when everyone met for the first time and introductions were made. After meeting for a few hours, the Granite City Chapter surprised everyone with a social for the guests—a trip to “Wild Country,” a local country Western bar within walking distance to the hotel. (Welcome to the Mid-West!)

Sunday proved to be a productive day. Various reports were given by AYF committees and chapters, and groups were formed to prepare for presentations later in the convention. U. Asbed Kotchikian spoke about the ARS Youth Connect Program taking place at New York University on Feb. 6, 2010. U. Simone Topouzian arrived on Monday to give the Camp Haiastan report. Other issues discussed included the successes and failures of Junior Seminar and Senior Olympics, and what constitutes a worthwhile educational program for the AYF. Senior Seminar, which was brought back in October 2009, was also evaluated and delegates discussed how to build on its successes for the future. The AYF’s zero-tolerance policy and behavior at these events was also a point of concern for many delegates.

On Monday night, the Granite City Chapter welcomed everyone to the St. Gregory Armenian community center for a homemade dinner. As delegates enjoyed chicken, kebob, pilaf, and salad, they were introduced to 15 members of the Granite City Chapter who were in attendance to show their support.

“Granite City welcomed everyone with open arms,” said U. Hrag Arakelian, a delegate from the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter. “It was really cool to see their moms and pops involved too.”

The final task of the convention was to elect the 2010 AYF-YOARF Central Executive. They are: Lauren Da Silva of Greater Boston, Phil Nigon of Philadelphia, Ani Saryan of Racine, Knar Mesrobian of New Jersey, Kevork Mesrobian of New Jersey, Antranig Avedissian of Boston, and Ari Janessian of Boston. This seven-person team will serve as the supreme administrative and representative body for the AYF-YOARF Eastern Region in 2010.