Great ARF (ANCA) Action Alerts

[Guest]

THANK SPEAKER HASTERT FOR PLEDGING TO BRING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION TO A VOTE IN SEPTEMBER

 

 

 

 

Current Status

 

In a major development this week, Dennis Hastert, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that it was his intent to bring the Armenian Genocide Resolution to a vote on the House floor in September.

 

During a August 26th meeting with Armenian American community leaders arranged by Congressman Jim Rogan, the Speaker voiced his support for the legislation, noting that it is his "intent to carry it to the floor."

 

Backgound:

 

H.Res.398 calls upon the President to ensure that U.S. diplomats dealing with human rights are educated about the Armenian Genocide, and 2) Urges the President to properly characterize the Armenian Genocide as genocide in the President's annual April 24th address.

 

This important human rights legislation was introduced by Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA) and Minority Whip David Bonior (D-MI). It has been cosponsored by over 135 Representatives.

 

This legislation faces powerful opposition from the Turkish government, the State Department, and Turkey's allies in the defense and oil industries.

 

A broad-based group of Armenian American organizations have joined together to form a coalition in support this effort, the "H.Res. 398 Committee: The Coalition for the Armenian Genocide Education and Commemoration Act." The members of this coalition are the Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian Catholics; Armenian Assembly of America; Armenian Bar Association; Armenian Evangelical World Council; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Association of America; Armenian National Committee of America; Armenian Relief Society of North America; Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America - East; Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America - West; Knights of Vartan; Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America - East; and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America - West.

 

 

Last Updated: 9/3/00

What You Can Do

 

Thank Speaker Hastert for pledging to hold a vote on H.Res.398 in September.

 

By mail:

The Hon. Dennis Hastert

Office of the Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

 

By phone: (202) 225-0600

By fax: (202) 225-7733

 

By email: Only communicate through email if you are a constituent of the Speaker in the 14th District of Illinois (DuPage, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, DeKalb, and Lee counties)

Visit: http://www.house.gov/hastert.

 

For more information about how to support H.Res.398, visit: www.aaainc.org or www.anca.org.

 

 

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Sample Letter to Speaker Hastert regarding H.Res.398

 

 

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The Honorable Dennis Hastert

Office of the Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

 

Re: Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.398)

 

Dear Mr. Speaker:

 

I am writing to thank you for your pledge to bring H.Res.398, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, to a vote of the U.S. House during this session of Congress.

 

Your public commitment, in California on August 26th, that it was your intent that the House hold a vote on this important human rights legislation is deeply appreciated by Armenian Americans and all defenders of fundamental human rights.

 

Thank you again for your personal commitment to affirm the proud history of U.S. intervention in protesting the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Address)

(Telephone) (Fax)

(Email if applicable)

 

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Sample Phone Script to Speaker Hastert regarding H.Res.398

 

 

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(The phone will be answered by a receptionist.)

 

Hello. My name is ___________, and I am a voter from ___________.

 

I am calling to thank Speaker Hastert for his personal pledge to bring H.Res.398, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, to a vote of the U.S. House during this session of Congress.

 

The Speaker's intent to hold this vote is deeply appreciated by Armenian Americans and all defenders of fundamental human rights.

 

Please inform the Speaker of my support for his efforts.

 

Thank you.

[Guest]

ANCA LAUNCHES POSTCARD CAMPAIGN TO URGE GORE AND BUSH TO ANSWER CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

 

 

Seeks Answers to Eighteen Specific Policy Questions Dealing with Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh, and the Armenian American Community

 

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC - As part of its ongoing efforts to help Armenian American voters make informed choices at the ballot box this November 7th, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has launched a nation-wide postcard campaign urging Vice -President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush to spell out their

exact positions on Armenian issues by responding to the ANCA Presidential Questionnaire.

 

"As public servants seeking our nation's highest elective office, both Al Gore and George W. Bush have a civic responsibility to openly and honestly share with voters where they stand on the issues," said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Both candidates will need to spell out their positions on the specific policy issues of importance to Armenian American voters - in clear and unambigious language - if they are to expect the support of our community on November 7th."

 

Last year, friends of Armenia from across the United States took part in the ANCA's Million Postcard Campaign to urge the Presidential candidates to publicly state their views on the Armenian Genocide. As a result, Al Gore, George W. Bush, John McCain and Bill Bradley all outlined their positions on this outstanding human rights issue. George W. Bush condemned the genocidal campaign against the Armenians and pledged to properly recognize the suffering of the Armenian people. Al Gore issued a statement on "Armenian Remembrance Day," but did not characterize the Armenian Genocide as a "genocide." (To read their full remarks, visit www.anca.org.) Despite their remarks on the Genocide, many questions remain unanswered about where the candidates stand on all the critical issues impacting Armenia, Karabagh, and the Armenian American community.

 

The ANCA Presidential Questionnaire calls upon the candidates to answer eighteen questions concerning their views on the Armenian Genocide; Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabagh; U.S. aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh; the Section 907 restriction on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, and; the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades of Armenia and Karabagh, as well as planned pesidential visitations and the level of participation by Armenian Americans in the federal government. This Presidential Questionnaire postcard drive is part of the ANCA 2000 voter education campaign designed to 1) educate Armenian Americans about the policy issues impacting Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh, and the surrounding region; 2) provide timely and reliable information on the records and views of the candidates seeking Armenian American votes, and; 3) encourage increased civic participation by Armenian Americans in local, state, and national elections.

 

The ANCA grassroots network of regional offices, local chapters, and activists has already begun distributing the postcard sets to Armenian Americans in more than forty states. ANCA chapters will begin collecting signatures beginning as early as Labor Day weekend at churches, centers, community events, and through direct mail and the internet.

 

Additional postcards may be obtained by contacting your ANCA regional office or local chapter, or by contacting the ANCA office in Washington, DC by phone: (202) 775-1918 or by e-mail: anca@anca.org.

[Guest]

A Message from One Youth to Another

Today's ANCA Desk is authored by Michelle Alenak of Worcester, Massachusetts. Michelle has worked for the ANCA as an intern off and on since her senior year in High School and during her college career at Clark University in Worcester, where she majors in International Relations and Spanish. A member of the Worcester "Aram" chapter of the AYF, Michelle is entering her senior year following a year in Spain as an exchange student.

 

We have all been involved in AYF events, Seminar, Junior and Senior Olympics and Camp Haiastan. We even were involved in the annual Armenian Genocide commemorations at our local city halls and even the national commemoration ceremony in Washington, DC. But as we are now older, graduating from the Juniors to the Seniors and from the Seniors on our way to ARF or ARS, we find ourselves at a time in our lives when we could be-and should be-contributing more to our communities but somehow find ourselves lost in the transition only to surface now and again at Olympics and Seminar. Now I am not one to guilt-trip, I know what it's like to juggle a busy schedule. In addition to being a Senior at Clark University, which is time consuming in itself, I am involved in a number extra-curricular activities both inside and out of the Armenian community. But the thing that keeps me going is knowing how much Armenians have helped me along the way, and I feel that I must give back to my people.

 

I started working at the Armenian National Committee of America in Watertown about four years ago for a high school senior project. And four years later, I find myself coming back to lend a hand. It is satisfying work knowing how much the help is needed and that it is appreciated by the staff members both in the regional office and the national office. For example, it is very rewarding to know that we are one step closer to passing an Armenian Genocide Resolution with every additional United States Representative that signs on to co-sponsor H.Res.398 each week. It is definitely a good feeling knowing you had a small part in achieving that.

 

The AYF always encourages its members to be active in Hai Tahd projects, many of which are ANCA-sponsored. However, how many of you actually choose to stay involved? I am very surprised how few members of the Armenian youth are interested in Hai Tahd, how many students do not take advantage of the internship opportunities both in Washington, DC, which is a great experience academically and socially, and the Eastern Region office in Watertown where you will find yourself working on Hai Tahd in the center of knowledge and culture. And intern opportunities are not limited to the summer. The Watertown office is always looking for volunteers. If going to Washington, DC or Watertown is not an option, the local ANCs are always looking for help from the community. So if you find yourself in that transitional phase and would like to become more involved in Hai Tahd, contact the ANCA office at the numbers above. We would be happy to have some more help. And don't forget to visit us at the ANCA table at the Detroit Olympics! Maybe that will inspire you to take a step towards being active in Hai Tahd issues.

[Guest]

quote:

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Originally posted by artt:
http://www.house.gov/hastert.

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just little correction:
http://www.house.gov/hastert/

http://www.house.gov/hastert/images/photos/hastert1.jpg
http://www.house.gov/ http://www.house.gov/house/images/oldcap_40.jpg



http://www.ebusolutions.com/anca/actionale...erts.asp?aaID=9 http://www.ebusolutions.com/anca/anca_home.asp


http://www.ebusolutions.com/anca/graphics/anca_logo.gif
http://www.aaainc.org/cgi-local/fax_cong/f...ide_Affirmation http://www.aaainc.org/issues.htm
http://www.aaainc.org/images/logo.gif




[This message has been edited by Ararat (edited September 05, 2000).]

[Guest]

ANCA-WR to Honor J. Michael Hagopian as Man Of The Year

GLENDALEThe Armenian National Committee of America-

Western Region has chosen Armenian Film Foundation Chairman J.

Michael Hagopian as this year’s recipient of the prestigious ANCA-

WR Man of the Year award. Dr. Hagopian, who has dedicated much of

his professional life to educating the public on the facts of the

Armenian Genocide, will be recognized for his courage and

commitment, at the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Dr. Hagopian has been at the forefront of the struggle to educate the

public on the facts and history of the Armenian Genocide, as the

director and producer of a number of films on the subject. As chairman

of the Armenian Film Foundation, Dr. Hagopian, has worked tirelessly

on documenting Armenian Genocide survivor stories, as well as stories

of various Armenian communities in the Ottoman Empire and their

struggle during the Genocide.

Born in Kharpert in 1913, Dr. Hagopian, is a survivor of the Armenian

Genocide. At the height of the Genocide, the Hagopian family fled

Kharpert, where the elder Hagopian was a prominent surgeon. After

making stops on the way in Aleppo, Beirut, Marseilles, Paris,

Cherbourg and Montreal, the family finally made it to the United States

settling in Boston for a short period, where the elder Hagopian received

his Massachusetts Medical Board certification to practice in his trained

profession.In 1927 the family moved to Fresno to be a part of the burgeoning

Armenian-American farming community, and Dr. Hagopian continued

his secondary education until he graduated from Los Angeles High

School in Southern California, where the family relocated for two years

during the Depression.

After stints at Los Angeles Junior College, Fresno State University, Dr.

Hagopian, went on to earn his AB degree from the University of

California at Berkeley in 1937. He continued his education, earning an

MA degree at Berkeley, where his thesis concentrated on the

government of the Republic of Turkey.

Dr. Hagopian went on to receive his Ph.D. from Harvard University in

International Relations. At Harvard, he had the opportunity to create

relationships with historic figures both Armenian and non-Armenian.

Dr. Hagopian’s doctoral dissertation concentrated on the period of

Armenian history from 1894 to 1914, with particular emphasis on the

nationalist movement in Armenia. In the process, he me Shahan Natali

and Simon Vratsian, among other leaders of the Armenian nation.

“One of my greatest regrets is that I did not film these great nationalists

and survivors. Ten years later,” explains Dr. Hagopian.

Following his distinguished educational career, Dr. Hagopian served in

the US military during World War II, and followed up with several

teaching positions at renowned universities including the University of

California at Los Angeles, where, as Dr. Hagopian explains, he was

inadvertently introduced to filmmaking.

As he explained this period in his life, “…I knew I did not want to stay

in the class room all my life. I wanted to travel, adventure and explore.”

For the last half century, Dr. Hagopian has remained an active traveler,

student of various cultures, and the eyes of so many, who have seen his

films on various aspects of human history.

Since 1954, Dr. Hagopian has been engaged in the research, writing

and production of educational and documentary films for instructional

and informational use in the classroom and on television. He has

written, directed and produced over 70 environmental, multi-cultural,

educational and documentary films which collectively have won more

than 150 national and international awards. The Forgotten Genocide

was nominated for two Emmys in production and writing. Several of

these films were produced under grants from the US Office of

Education and the Ethnic Heritage Program, California Endowment for

the Humanities, and California State Department of Education. Dr.

Hagopian has also spent much of his professional time in recent

months on the completion of the “The Witnesses” trilogy, a landmark

film production for use in educational settings, including California

public schools. The first installment of the trilogy, the independent film

Voices from the Lake: The Secret Genocide, has been produced,

principally under grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the

California Arts Council, the Foundations of the Milken Families, and

the J. Roderick MacArthur Foundation.

“Dr. Hagopian will receive the ANCA-WR Man of the Year award not

only because his work will stand the test of time and will continue to

educate generations to come on the history of the Armenian Genocide,

but also because Dr. Hagopian has dedicated his life to moving forward

the Armenian Cause, with intense fervor and commitment, at the same

time paying tribute to the memory of the victims and the struggle for

recognition of the survivors,” said Alex Sardar, ANCA-WR Executive Director.

The ANCA-WR Annual Banquet will take place on Sunday, September

24, at 6 p.m. at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School’s Avedissian

Hall in Encino, California. Tables sponsorships are still available at the

$1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 levels. Individual tickets may be purchased

starting at $100. For information, to sponsor tables or to purchase

tickets, please contact the ANCA-WR offices at 818.500.1918