The ANCA: Forging Consensus, Fostering Cooperation, Focusing on the Future

The ANCA stands up for the views, values, and vision of the Armenian American community.

We’re, very simply, your voice. Your grassroots organization. The group that you can trust to bring Armenian Americans together, forge consensus, foster cooperation, and focus the energies of our diverse community on our key policy priorities.

Building upon a legacy of more than a century of service, we represent a forward-leaning approach to the Armenian Cause, one that has earned for us all the respect that our community deserves, and—far more importantly—that has generated the political power that we need to protect our homeland, and promote our proud heritage.

You’ll see this first-hand on June 1st during our nationwide ANCA Telethon, which will showcase all we’re doing for the priorities that matter to you and your family: A safe, secure, and prosperous Armenia; a free and independent Artsakh; truth and justice for the Genocide; safety for our Middle East communities, and; so many others.

We are fighting all these political battles for you, in the face of a flood of Ankara’s lies and waves of Azerbaijani attacks. Thankfully, because of your support, we’re able to counter these attacks, tirelessly asserting our rights and fearlessly setting the record straight. A really great example of how we’ve been able to block foreign interests from hijacking U.S. policy just took place in Tennessee, where our local ANCA chapter helped reveal the shady deals behind failed anti-Armenian legislation. Check out this shocking investigative report by Nashville’s News Channel 5!

As we approach the ANCA Telethon broadcast, consider just a few of our recent accomplishments:

— The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s historic 12 to 5 vote adopting the Armenian Genocide Resolution—over intense Turkish opposition.

— The ANCA’s bold Congressional testimony calling for a transition from aid to trade as the foundation of a new U.S.-Armenia economic relationship based on job-creation and reversing out-migration. We have welcomed the largest-ever U.S. investment in Armenia, a $200+ million deal to revitalize a hydro-electric power station, and are encouraging new American investments to help diversify Armenia’s economy and provide Yerevan strategic options in the region.

— The #SaveKessab campaign that went viral and alerted the world to Turkey’s role in the al-Qaeda linked attack on the Armenian town of Kessab, Syria.

— The California State Assembly’s recognition of the independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, the fifth U.S. state to stand up for the right of Artsakh to democratic self-determination.

— The high-profile defeat of Baku-backed anti-Armenian measures in state legislatures across the country, along with renewed Congressional condemnations of Azerbaijan’s aggression.

— The introduction of bipartisan legislation requiring the State Department to officially report to Congress about U.S. efforts to secure Turkey’s return of stolen Armenian and all Christian churches.

On each of these issues, it’s not enough for us to fight today’s battles. We need to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities. That’s why, as we approach our June 1st ANCA Telethon, it’s so vital for all of us to renew our commitment to the Armenian Cause.

It’s because of you that our community has a strong Armenian Lobby: A point of pride for our community, a key source of power for our cause, and a proven engine of progress for our issues in Congress and across Washington.

It has been your generosity that has earned the ANCA recognition internationally as the forceful, united, and effective voice for all Armenian Americans. But we need your renewed financial support to take us to the next level:

— Leveraging cutting-edge technology to connect Armenians nationwide, strengthening our community’s social network.

— Helping talented young Armenian Americans start careers in U.S. politics, government, and the media, and get elected to key political offices.

— Going beyond protecting Armenia from her external enemies, by empowering those working inside Armenia to build a stronger, more sustainable and democratic homeland.

The challenges the Armenian nation faces can sometimes seem overwhelming. But, for Armenia to survive and thrive, our community must surely tackle its problems head-on. Over the long centuries of Armenian history, much has changed, but not the enduring role of selfless service. Sacrifice is as important today as it was in the days of Avarayr, of Sardarabad, of Shushi.

That’s why it’s so vital for each of us to do our part to help the ANCA advance our shared priorities:

— A truthful and just resolution of the Armenian Genocide

— A strong, prosperous, fair, and democratic Armenia

— A secure and independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh)

— An economically viable, culturally vibrant Javakhk

— A full and fair return of our Western Armenian homeland

— An energized, inspired and sustainable Armenian Diaspora

On these shared priorities, and for all the core issues close to our hearts, progress is only possible with your continued faith and renewed support. So whether you support the vital educational efforts of the ANCA Endowment Fund (tax-deductible) or the political advocacy efforts of the ANCA (not tax-deductible), please know that your donation, large or small, will make a real and lasting difference.

Aram Hamparian

Aram Hamparian

Aram Hamparian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

4 Comments

  1. I firmly believe that the ANCA has done a formidable job and has achieved tremendous accomplishments for the Armenian cause on several fronts.
    It is imperative that very Armenian makes a real effort to make a donation to the June 1, ANCA Telethon.
    It is remarkable that the ANCA, both ER and WR, have been able to successfully achieve some of our goals and objectives with the limited financial support they get.
    Sadly, and the reality is that lobbying in the US is ferocious, ugly and needs money. Both the Turkish and Azeri governments are spending huge sums of money on the lobbies and forces they use and manipulate in the US, distorting history, bending the facts and corrupting minds. Unfortunately sometimes money talks.
    It is crucial that the Armenian-American community provide much needed stronger financial support to ANCA so that they are able and in position to counter the Azeri and Turkish lobbies. Every dollar counts.
    Vart Adjemian

  2. EVERY ARMENIAN SHOULD SUPPORT ANCA BECAUSE ARMENIANS NEED THIS GREAT ORGANIZATIONS THAT FIGHTS FOR ARMENIAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE, PLEASE BE VERY GENEROUS, WE OWE IT TO OUR PARENTS,GRANDPARENTS AN OUR MARTYRS.

  3. The telethon just concluded and it was fun to watch and hear all those Armenian names from everywhere.

    Yes every Armenian should support the ANCA, but unfortunately it is not the case, because ignorance is rampant in the community. I could never understand it, perhaps our skulls are too thick to understand the fact that the ANCA and Hye Tad is for all Armenians and Armenia, regardless of who is behind it, and no one is excluding anyone from participating for the betterment and rights of Armenians everywhere. Meanwhile those “in opposition”, while sitting on their behinds and throwing cheap shots, have nothing to show for.

  4. Dear Aram,
    Congratulations on your masterful shepherding of the ANCA to its prestigious position as leaders in the struggle to resolve the Armenian Cause. There can be no denying that ANCA is the premier Armenian organization championing our cause.
    What troubles me is the almost total absence of 2nd and 3rd generation Armenian Americans from active participation in community life here in San Diego. I’m told that this experience is not unique to us. It is endemic and I’m afraid that we are seeing the beginnings of the dreaded assimilation.
    Already more that fifty percent of the marriages in our community are “mixed.” I don’t mean anything negative with that but it is a fact that these mixed couples sometimes find it difficult to engage in mostly Armenian groups. We Armenians are somewhat neurotic about speaking our native language when we gather in groups.
    I don’t know of any organization that has taken on the challenge of addressing this condition. Our churches has been especially stubborn about adjusting their centuries old service to accommodate busy non Armenian speaking community members.
    It seems as if yours is the only organization which is staffed with intelligent Bi-lingual leaders who are more than capable of devising a strategy that will resonate with the missing in action American born.
    I know that finding ways to engage these potentially helpful people may be outside your mission statement but I don’t know of any other organization which has an agenda that would resonate with them.
    Please find a way to expand your agenda to include finding ways to meet the needs of that group.In the meantime you and the ANCA family are a breath of fresh air in our Diaspora.

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