GLENDALE–The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region (ANCA-WR) hosted a Christmas party on December 21–2005 at Carousel Restaurant to thank its supporters and activists for all they have done throughout the year to help advance Armenian issues. Over one hundred of the ANCA-WR’s supporters and activists came to hear about the organization’s accomplishmen’s in 2005 and plans for 2006.
"Without the continued support and activism from the Armenian American community–we would not be able to achieve all that we do," said Steven Dadaian–Chairman of the ANCA-WR. "It is important to recognize the community’s sacrifices in helping advance Hai Tahd."
2005 was full of challenges and opportunities for proponents of Armenian issues. Armenia’s all over the world marked the 90th anniversary of the Armenian genocide and made major strides in achieving proper recognition of this crime against humanity. The year also brought increased involvement in federal–state–and local elections with an increasing number of Armenia’s participating in the electoral process and running for elected office.
The ANCA-WR was on the front lines of promoting the interests of the Armenian American community. Some of the main initiatives that the ANCA-WR planned for and accomplished in 2005 were to lead Armenian genocide recognition efforts throughout the western United States–help establish the State of California’s International Trade and Investment Office in Yerevan–and support Armenian genocide education programs and teacher training within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The ANCA-WR will continue to advance issues of concern to Armenian Americans in 2006 by focusing on gaining proper recognition and justice for the Armenian genocide–working to strengthen the viability of the Republics of Armenia and Mountainous Karabagh–and promoting and protecting the rights of Armenian Americans.
The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices–chapters–and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world–the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.