Translating Words into Action

I was thoroughly impressed with the ARS Youth Connect Program this year. The topics discussed were the challenges facing Armenia and issues of identity. Already this appealed to me—a young diasporan who wants to contribute to the viability of her culture.

Perhaps equally important was the diversity of the speakers—a young African-American/Native-American/Armenian filmmaker discussing what her cultural identity means to her; a feminist writer whose commitment for justice led her to get involved in efforts to support the Palestinian people; a Mid-western American humanitarian who speaks better Armenian than most diasporans—and that was only about half of the panelists. Some have worked extensively in the Republic, and others have been activists at home in the U.S., incorporating elements of their “Armenian-ness” into their professional lives.