ALBANY, N.Y.—The Armenian Youth Federation – Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (AYF-YOARF) Eastern U.S. held its 89th annual Convention on December 26-30, 2023.
The Convention hosted 33 delegates representing 14 of the region’s 16 chapters. AYF Canada and the Bureau Office of Youth Affairs (BOYA) also sent representatives to the Convention.
Convention delegates — the highest body of the AYF-YOARF — reviewed and analyzed the work carried out by the Central Executive (CE), the 16 chapters of the region and 13 central councils during the 2023 year. The delegates discussed new objectives for the organization and adopted resolutions for the organization’s upcoming year’s agenda, both regionally and internationally. Isabel Hagobian (New York “Hyortik” Chapter) and Hagop Taraksian (Providence “Varantian” Chapter) led the Convention as the tivan.
The following AYF members represented the outgoing 2022-2023 CE:
- Nareg Mkrtschjan (Providence) – chairperson
- Ani Khachatourian (Greater Boston) – vice-chair
- Harout Tashian (Providence) – treasurer
- Meghri Dervartanian (Greater Boston) – secretary
- Daron Bedian (Chicago) – advisor
- Alec Soghomonian (Manhattan) – advisor
- Niree Kaprielian (New Jersey) – advisor
- Areni Margossian (Washington, D.C.) – advisor
- Talene Sagherian (Manhattan) – advisor
Delegates began each day with deliberations at 9:30 in the morning and ended past midnight in an effort to accomplish the goals and conclude the Convention’s detailed and thorough agenda. Guest representatives included George Aghjayan of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Central Committee, Kenar Charchaflian of AYF Camp Haiastan, Moses Arzoumanian and Talia Jabrayan from AYF Canada, and Tsoghig Ashekian and Sebouh Hamakorzian from the ARF Bureau Youth Office. Representatives provided a brief presentation on their respective organization’s current projects, goals and plans.
On the evenings of December 28 and 29, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church hosted dinners for the delegates in Troy, New York followed by delicious dessert spreads. The Central Educational Council took the opportunity to present the Gharib Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the chapter with the best educational program throughout the calendar year. This year, the trophy was awarded to the Manhattan “Moush” Chapter.
The Convention elected a new Central Executive for the 2024 year consisting of the following members:
- Nareg Mkrtschjan (Providence) – chairperson
- Isabel Hagobian (New York) – treasurer
- Lori Samuelian (New Jersey) – secretary
- Lori Baronian (New Jersey) – advisor
- Daron Bedian (Chicago) – advisor
- Niree Kaprielian (New Jersey) – advisor
- Alec Soghomonian (Manhattan) – advisor
The 2024 CE is extremely eager to start the year’s work efficiently and successfully, with over 35 resolutions passed from the Convention to guide them.
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Amazed at how our youth are still connected to the same goals and purpose of those that came before them have for close to 9 decades. Dedication and commitment are two words that come to mind. Meeting from morning until late night day after day. This is something to be mighty proud of.