Day: June 5, 2024

Another AYF regional event, another reflection. In my last article, I wrote about the Junior Winter Olympics (JWO). This time, I’ll be reflecting on the premier AYF Junior event in our region, the staple that is known as Junior Seminar.

Aside from AYF Olympics, Junior Seminar is the single largest gathering for all of the regions’ Junior members. It also serves as the springboard of excitement for kids ahead of the new AYF Camp Haiastan season. It was always one of my favorite events, from the bus ride and stop at a mall on the way to arriving at the camp only to be greeted at the check-in table by dozens of my friends, all panicking to find out if we are in the same cabin.

Similarly to how I snuck into JWO at age nine, I also attended my first Junior Seminar at the same age. Maybe we could’ve used some more rigid age verification back then…I believe I have missed only one or two Junior Seminars, but definitely no more than two. My felonious activity of sneaking in early canceled out one of the Junior Seminars I missed, bringing my total to an incredible 19 or 20 Junior Seminars attended. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to attend so many throughout my AYF career.

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At this point, you know the drill — here are my reflections after attending my last Junior Seminar in Ligonier, Pennsylvania:

• First and foremost, I would like to give a shout out to the 2024 Junior Seminar Council. They did an incredible job organizing an event with over 430 attendees, and everyone should give them a big round of applause. Without the hard work and dedication of these six ungers over the past months, this weekend would not have been the resounding success that it was: U. Emin Abrahamian (Greater Boston), U. Alex Agabap (New Jersey), U. Areni Artinian (Chicago), U. Antranig Kasbarian (Washington D.C.), U. Jero Mouradian (New Jersey) and U. Aram Najarian (Washington D.C.). 
• I flew to Junior Seminar this year instead of taking the bus. Although my 28-year-old body will thank me for this, I did have a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) for what would have been my last ride as an AYF member. On the flip side, only so many people can say they went to Seminar with their wife. I was so lucky to have my other half with me for my last Seminar — thank you Kenar! That’s “Ungerouhi Kenar” to you though.
• I’m a mechanical engineer, so naturally, let’s talk some numbers:
  • 431: The total number of attendees that came to the 2024 Junior Seminar. It is always incredible to see so many Armenian youth in one place.
    
    
  • 110: New Jersey sent an insane number of members. Had a guess in your head? Double it…maybe even triple it. The “Arsens” came strong with two full coach buses without a single empty seat. That’s right — 110 Juniors and Seniors total. Let’s give credit to the Junior Executive, Junior Advisors and parents for sending their kids, who made up 25% of the entire Junior Seminar.
    
    
  • 39: Everything is not always rainbows and butterflies — we have to be able to assess our shortcomings as well. Only 39 attendees from the New England district attended this year’s Junior Seminar. I remember in my Junior days, when Providence, Worcester and North Andover would share a bus, Greater Boston would have its own bus, and New England would send over 100 kids to the event. I am urging a call to action to our New England parents and Juniors. In today’s world where kids are doing so many activities by age 10, whether it be sports, the arts or other extracurriculars, we cannot compromise their opportunities to attend AYF and Armenian events. As a fellow New Englander, I am also at fault — we need to heavily focus on improving this number from our district over the next few months and into next year.
  • 4: Although there were only a few, four AYF-YOARF members at large attended the Junior Seminar, all from the Ft. Myers, Florida area. This number is significant to me, as the increasing number of members at large may be indicative of new and emerging Armenian communities in which we can establish new AYF chapters. 
  • 1: We had one applicant who stood out from the rest, and that is U. Zabelle Hamparian from the AYF Western United States, likely the first AYF-WUS attendee at Junior Seminar in many years. I hope that our Western U.S. and Canada ungers continue to come to Junior Seminar in the coming years. Interacting and collaborating inter-regionally is crucial to the continued growth of our respective regions.
• As always, the weather looked great for the weekend, but come Sunday we had an unexpected flash rain and thunderstorm for a few hours. It never fails — it wouldn’t be a true Junior Seminar without rain.
• I hope the 17-year-olds who went through the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program will look back and understand how lucky they were to have such great directors. Between Kenar Charchaflian and Nairi (Khachatourian) Tcholakian, you could not have two more overqualified AYF alumni running our LIT program. They know how to get the best out of a member and show them how to take advantage of opportunities in the AYF and run with them. And I promise I’m not just saying this because Kenar is my wife…
• The lecturers were great as always, and once again, we can give credit to the amazing Junior Seminar Council for identifying important topics and well-researched lecturers to deliver important messaging to our next generation of leaders.
• I liked the Junior Seminar Council’s new idea of a lip sync on Friday night. Watching my fellow Providence Juniors lip sync and dance to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire transported me back to my Junior days performing at Skit Night.
• A Junior Seminar tradition that has stood the test of time is playing the game esheg during free time on Sunday night. It was a nice full circle moment for U. Antranig Karageozian of Albany, who along with his brother Steve first brought the game to Junior Seminar 30 years ago in 1994. I also took what really should be my last esheg leap as part of a team of alleged “veteran” jumpers. I hope the tradition of the game continues for another 30 years and more.
• At the final dance Sunday night, we saw our Juniors and Seniors keep the cultural flame alive. Detroit, New Jersey and New York took the opportunity to showcase their dancing skills as members of local dance groups put on a show for the other attendees. I would love to see more of our AYF members join dance groups and start new ones. I also had the chance to lead the haleh one last time alongside U. Emin Abrahamian, another memory I will cherish for years. 
• My favorite portion of Junior Seminar is and has always been the singing of heghapokhagan (revolutionary) songs at the end of the night. In my Junior years, there would be a few dozen people left by the end of the dance to sing. This year, the room was full of Junior and Senior members alike, embracing each other shoulder to shoulder, passionately singing song after song. From inspiring songs like “Bank Ottoman” to poignant ones like “Akhbers ou Yes,” the nationalistic spirit and passion of our youth were shown in full force.
  • Serving on the AYF Central Executive is an honor that comes with a lot of personal sacrifice. However, experiencing powerful moments like these makes you realize that all the sacrifice is, ultimately, always worth it. I will miss these moments as a Junior, Senior and Central Executive member.
• I definitely hope to be back at Junior Seminar soon in the future as a lecturer, if the future organizers will have me. I hope to join the extensive list of distinguished past Junior Seminar lecturers and do my part in continuing to inspire the next generation of leaders — like my son Mshag, who will attend his first Junior Seminar in 2034. 

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Nareg Mkrtschjan

Nareg Mkrtschjan is the current Chair of the AYF-YOARF Central Executive and a member of the Providence “Varantian” Chapter. He has held many leadership roles throughout his AYF career, participating as an AYF intern in 2017 and director in 2018, Javakhk counselor in 2016 and 2017, serving on central councils and his local executive. Nareg met his wife, AYF Camp Haiastan Executive Director Kenar Charchaflian through the AYF and even popped the question to her at AYF Convention at Camp Haiastan. They happily live in Rhode Island with their son Mshag, a future unger.

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By Karine Najarian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter

The Armenian Youth Federation Eastern Region is pleased to present the winners of the 2024 AYF Camp Haiastan Campership Essay Contest. The first and second place winners in each age category were announced at AYF Junior Seminar over Memorial Day weekend. Najarian’s essay, which won second place in the older group (ages 15-16), answered the following prompt: After the Armenian Genocide in 1915, our ancestors established the Armenian communities across the world that we have all grown up in today. Following the Artsakh genocide in 2023, what can we do to ensure that the sense of community and identity of Artsakh is preserved?

Central Junior Council with Sarhad Melkonian, New Jersey “Arsen” chapter, and Karine Najarian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter, older group winners

We as Armenians in the Diaspora must represent our ancestors who were martyred or escaped the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Throughout the past 109 years, we have never given up no matter what our people have gone through. The lands where our people have lived since the beginning of time, where our mountains stand, and where we have spilled our blood, sweat and tears, will never be forgotten. The justice our people deserve has not yet been served, but the outcome of our efforts will only get better the harder we try and the harder we work in every community around the world. To preserve the sense of community and identity of Artsakh, we need to educate through the youth and social media, celebrate our culture and traditions to keep them alive and bring the people together through events and gatherings. 

In this new age, social media has become a main source of communication for people everywhere because of its powerful impact. Reaching a wide audience in such a timely manner can be crucial to spreading important content to raise awareness about Artsakh’s history and culture. Once the community is informed, connected and engaged in the news, convenient feedback and information is received in real-time. Many chapters across the world have their own social media accounts where they post their events and share with other communities hundreds of miles away with a click of a button. This is an amazing way to increase awareness as well as open opportunities that were not previously available. We often hear the phrase, “You are the future of the Armenian community,” but in reality, we are the present. What we do now, in these moments, can be so powerful and moving to not only grow and expand on what we already have but also teach the new generation to keep pushing to maintain their Armenian identity and justice for the Artsakh and Armenian people. This increases diversity of thought and stimulates the brilliant minds of our youth.

Through the Armenian church and various amazing organizations, we can bring people together. In Armenian schools, children can gain a stronger connection to their roots by learning Armenian dance, religion, language and literature. In the AYF and Homenetmen, youth gather at meetings, local events and larger events such as the AYF Senior Olympics and Homenetmen Jamboree where they can create strong bonds and lifelong friendships that are vital to their everyday life. They stay connected to their culture through these connections and as a result, give back and champion our cause.  

Every year, each AYF and Homenetmen chapter has an April 24 protest to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. Communities have come together to wave our flag and prove that Turkey and Azerbaijan have failed to ethnically cleanse our people.  We are still here and will continue to fight no matter how long it takes. We have filled the streets with a strong message to everyone who will listen, that we are here and not going anywhere. This is a way to share the sense of unity amongst our people when facing challenges together and supporting one another. We lift each other during these difficult times.

Despite the challenges we face to maintain a positive attitude and bright vision of a thriving Artsakh community, we have not failed to preserve our past and build on what we have now. A constant reminder of who you are will always make you proud of your identity and the power that is deep down in your heart. These efforts can inspire current and future generations to continue towards our goal of a free, independent and united Armenia and Artsakh. Accepting defeat before the battle has even started gives you no chance to win because you have already accepted the fact that you are going to lose. The drive and determination our communities have shown in the past 109 years proves that we have never and will never give up. Artsakh is and will always be one with Armenia.

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AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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By Sarhad Melkonian, New Jersey “Arsen” chapter

The Armenian Youth Federation Eastern Region is pleased to present the winners of the 2024 AYF Camp Haiastan Campership Essay Contest. The first and second place winners in each age category were announced at AYF Junior Seminar over Memorial Day weekend. Melkonian’s essay, which won first place in the older group (ages 15-16), answered the following prompt: After the Armenian Genocide in 1915, our ancestors established the Armenian communities across the world that we have all grown up in today. Following the Artsakh genocide in 2023, what can we do to ensure that the sense of community and identity of Artsakh is preserved?

Central Junior Council with Sarhad Melkonian, New Jersey “Arsen” chapter, and Karine Najarian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter, older group winners

For as long as I can remember, every April 24 I would be at a protest chanting “1915 never again.” Since 2020, it became obvious that 1915 was happening again and again to our people, this time to Armenians living in Artsakh. As a result of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923, the culture, dialects, traditions and even foods of Western Armenia were annihilated along with the population. Very little of what we had as a nation survived after the Genocide. We are rebuilding some of those lost traditions even to this day.

The genocide of the Armenians of Artsakh and the loss of Artsakh as a whole is a repeat of what happened during the Armenian Genocide. Over 150,000 Armenians were forcefully pushed out of Artsakh starting with the 2020 war and continued with forced starvation and more war. Artsakh villages, just like our villages and towns in Western Armenia, all have their own distinct dialects and traditions. Foods vary as well depending on what the population received from the land. Artsakh also has very different climates within its small borders, and therefore the people living in these climates have different personalities and traditions.

Throughout Artsakh there are many different dialects of Armenian spoken. In Hadrut, Marduni, Mardakerd, Askeran and all the cities and villages in Artsakh each have their own unique, special dialect of Armenian. Now all the refugees who were forcefully displaced from their homes in Artsakh are scattered across Armenia. Artsakhtsi children are now attending schools in Armenia where none of the teachers are Artsakhtsi. They are no longer exposed to the Artsakh dialect outside of their homes. In fact, many people in Armenia discriminate against Artsakhtsis when they speak their dialect in public, and as a result, children from Artsakh are embarrassed and don’t speak their dialects in public. Within one generation, the Artsakh dialect could be lost. We must not let that happen. 

Now over 150,000 displaced Artsakhtsis are living in Armenia with no sense of community or connection to one another. They are spread out across Armenia and likely living in places that do not resemble their home villages. The climate is different, the soil is different, the plants are different. The foods they eat are different. For example, one of the most prominent dishes from Artsakh is jingyalov hats which includes a variety of different herbs and greens containing over 21 native greens that they used to make the dish. The main green, jingyal, only grows in Artsakh. Even though we see Artsakhtsis making jingyalov hats in Armenia to earn a living, they are making it without their native herbs. 

What can we do? We, Armenians from Western Armenia, know and understand the loss Armenians from Artsakh are facing today. We must do all we can to help them. The ideal solution would be if the government of Armenia recreates regions of Artsakh in Armenia. For example, have all the Armenians from Hadrut live in one region of Armenia that resembles the topography of Hadrut and the same for all the different regions. This way, they can recreate their communities, preserve their dialects, traditions, customs and food. However, we know THIS government in Armenia is not going to do anything to help Artsakhtsis in any way. 

Therefore, once again, it’s up to us to help. We have to do what we can to create programs for Artsakhtsis through the AYF, Homenetmen and Hamazkayin. For example, the AYF should create chapters in Armenia just for Artsakhtsis. If possible, have these chapters follow regions of Artsakh. We should do the same for Homenetmen scouts. Hamazkayin can create after school language programs for Artsakh children to continue to practice and learn their specific dialects. They can hire teachers from each region of Artsakh to run these classes, just like we have Saturday schools here in the U.S. They can have cooking classes, art classes, dance classes and chorus all geared towards Artsakhtsi kids and run by Artsakhtsis. If  possible, these programs should always be organized based on regions in Artsakh. We should help AYF, Homenetmen and Hamazkayin of Armenia to create these programs by fundraising to make these programs possible. Whenever we can, we should also participate and help run some of these programs for the kids of Artsakh.

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AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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By Victoria Penenian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter

The Armenian Youth Federation Eastern Region is pleased to present the winners of the 2024 AYF Camp Haiastan Campership Essay Contest. The first and second place winners in each age category were announced at AYF Junior Seminar over Memorial Day weekend. Penenian’s essay, which won second place in the middle group (ages 13-14), answered the following prompt: Being an active participant in your Armenian community is crucial for preserving the Armenian Diaspora. What does your future with the Armenian community look like? What are some challenges that your community may face, and how can you utilize the AYF to overcome these challenges?

Central Junior Council with Amy Karageozian, Albany “Shoushi” chapter, and Victoria Penenian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter, middle group winners

As a young Armenian dedicated to serving the Armenian cause, my future in the Armenian community may look long and difficult but is truly rewarding. I see my junior advisors, seniors and my executive come and dedicate their time and effort to preserving the Armenian cause and AYF (Armenian Youth Federation). Seeing their dedication and hard work, I feel that it is my responsibility to carry their legacy and help future generations keep our identity and culture.

There are many challenges we must face as a community to keep the Armenian cause together. One is unity. Armenians all over the world struggle to get along with each other and to connect. AYF proves vital to keep and create these connections throughout the eastern region and throughout the whole world. It is important to reach out to members in the diaspora and to pull them towards organizations like the AYF and Homenetmen so that they can become closer to the Armenian cause and learn about their own identity.

Education is also crucial to preserving the Armenian identity and community. Throughout AYF, I am saddened to hear many Armenians who know Armenian and speak it very well communicate with each other using English. If AYF and other organizations push for the speaking of Armenian and continue to provide space for people to speak and practice Armenian like Zrutsig Mrutsig, we will manage to save what is left of our beloved language.

Utilizing platforms like the AYF, when I am a senior I will push for Zrutsig Mrutsig and other similar activities to be more widely recognized and available. Unfortunately, when I log into Zrutsig Mrutsig meetings I notice that not many people participate. Some have other activities, but others are intimidated because they think their Armenian is ‘bad’ or ‘not good enough.’ I plan to change these kids’ minds and show them that any level of Armenian is welcome and that your language can only improve through practice.

When I reach the appropriate age and realize that I am ready, I am committed to joining the ARF and being a strong ARF member. I realize that AYF is a stepping stone into ARF, and I plan to join when I am able to because I completely support ARF ideologies and want to serve my nation and the diaspora. Before joining the ARF, I want to help out in the ANCA and help my country by advocating for our rights like I see many other courageous and bold Armenians doing.

As I already partake in an Armenian dance group, I am committed to continuing Armenian dance. I want to help others learn Armenian dance when I am older because it’s very important and incredibly fun. Not only that, but one day I hope to return to my former Armenian school and teach Armenian songs to the children. I’ve always had a passion for music, and listening to Armenian music is one of my greatest joys. When I become a music teacher, I hope to modernize my teaching so I will include more current songs that the children will be interested in.

In conclusion, I think my future in the Armenian community is bright and just beginning. I have so many plans for how I can improve this wonderful community and preserve it like the many ungers and ungeroohis before me. I am certain that AYF will help me overcome possible challenges like communicating with children and creating a stronger sense of identity and culture.

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AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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By Amy Karageozian, Albany “Shoushi” chapter

The Armenian Youth Federation Eastern Region is pleased to present the winners of the 2024 AYF Camp Haiastan Campership Essay Contest. The first and second place winners in each age category were announced at AYF Junior Seminar over Memorial Day weekend. Karageozian’s essay, which won first place in the middle group (ages 13-14), answered the following prompt: Being an active participant in your Armenian community is crucial for preserving the Armenian Diaspora. What does your future with the Armenian community look like? What are some challenges that your community may face, and how can you utilize the AYF to overcome these challenges?

Central Junior Council with Amy Karageozian, Albany “Shoushi” chapter, and Victoria Penenian, Washington D.C. “Sevan” chapter, middle group winners

Keeping alive our Armenian history, people and culture takes great responsibility and commitment. I am fortunate enough to be a part of an Armenian community that starts in my home and goes to a worldwide level. Being a part of my Armenian community means a great deal to me, especially being a part of the diaspora. The Armenian diaspora is the crucial key to Armenia’s success. This includes my involvement in the community, as well as being a part of AYF. My future in my community starts with our local chapter, my church and my family. All of this takes effort and determination. It also comes with many challenges that I, and we as a community, will have to face, but also figuring out ways to solve these issues and how I can utilize AYF to do so.

Community stems back generations in my family. Throughout their lives they had to make a community everywhere they went to make sure they don’t lose a very important part of themselves and so their future children can grow up to know their heritage. My great-great grandparents on both sides of my family had to suffer through the Armenian Genocide and flee from their homes for a chance of survival, and much like many other Armenian families, they didn’t want to lose where they came from. I was taught to preserve my culture, so I can one day also pass it along to my children and keep the diaspora going. To achieve the goal of ensuring the future of Armenia, it starts with my community and me. I take part in my community in many ways, starting at my Armenian church. I have been going to church all my life and I wish to continue once I am older. Any event that the church holds I am there to volunteer and give my time. One day, I plan on being a part of the church committees to make sure the church still stands many years from now. I have also been attending Armenian school; this gave me the ability to read and write. I have been to events that they hold as well.

I have done talent shows and been a part of an Armenian dance team. I am able to perform in shows around the city, and that gives me the opportunity to share my culture with everyone, even outside my own city. Once I am of age, I could teach the little kids how to read, write and dance as well. One of the opportunities that I am more grateful and lucky to be a part of is AYF. Even though we are a smaller chapter, we still have a great influence in our community. I am still a junior and cannot wait to be a senior and be a leader in my chapter. The future of our community will stay alive and well, as long as others such as myself continue to follow traditions and pass them on for generations to come.

While there are many great achievements that have been accomplished through our communities, there are also many challenges that we have faced and will continue to have to go through. Growing up in Albany had its advantages and disadvantages; while there is a pretty big Armenian population, we face some difficult situations. We have two Armenian churches, but there is the issue of difference in denominations. This causes a significant divide between the community. It has become difficult to have a sense of solidarity between everyone when that stands between everything. I believe that this divide has to be resolved because without solidarity, how can we truly stand together to keep Armenia from those who want to take it away? We must learn to put those differences aside to become one. When the churches do not see eye to eye, this also causes political differences that have major effects. One side is expected to think one way and another is expected to think another way. We all should be striving for the same goal: to have a peaceful, standing united Armenia. The AYF has Armenia and the diaspora in its best interest in mind. AYF has become a pivotal point in my community because of the events and fundraisers we host. It gives everyone the opportunity to come together, to put their differences aside and enjoy our culture. As AYF members we help out whenever either church needs anything or would like us to participate in their events. AYF gave us an excuse to embrace our heritage more and more which is one of the main points in our community.

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AYF-YOARF

Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.

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