BY SETO BOYADJIAN–ESQ.
Securing organizational prowess is a fundamental preposition in resolutions adopted by the ARF 29th World Congress. Hence–the next quadrennial will constitute a period of organizational renewal and reinvigoration–as well as organizational empowerment and rejuvenation. This objective is premised on two propositions.
The first–organizational renewal and reinvigoration (see Asbarez–Saturday–March 26–2004)–mainly involves the internal structure of the party. The second–organizational empowerment and rejuvenation–takes into account the extra-organizational environment.
While the first proposition deals with the potential of ARF’s membership–the second targets the potential of the Armenian people. It is of course difficult to make clear distinctions and precise divisions of labor between the two–because both propositions have one specific goal–ARF’s organizational prowess. Thus–in view of their functions–the two propositions not only complement each other–but also overlap.
The World Congress resolutions about organizational empowerment and rejuvenation focus mainly on the outside–extra-organizational environment–ARF sympathizers and the Armenian people in general. In this respect–the resolutions chart three basic tasks:
– To broaden the base of ARF sympathizers,
– To recruit the able manpower outside the ARF organization; and,
– To recruit the young elemen’s of the society.
The first two of these tasks will proceed in the following three directions:
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN ARF UNDERTAKINGS
The Armenian woman cannot be apart from ARF activities. With her abilities–skills–and commitment–the participation and assistance of the Armenian woman will make a difference and enhance overall ARF programs.
Therefore–the party shall increase the importance and prominence of women–by advancing them in public life–and emphasizing her proactive presence within the organization.
This assertion is not new to the ARF. From the very first day of ARF’s founding–the Armenian woman has been an active participant in the organization’s revolutionary–political–and propaganda activities. After the 1920’s–Diaspora conditions and restrictions of communist rule in the homeland–unfortunately–curtailed her full participation. However–present day imperatives require that Armenian women assert themselves in public service and assume public mission.
THE ROLE OF THE INTELLECTUALS IN PARTY ACTIVITIES
There are many factors that prevent intellectuals from participating in ARF’s daily organizational activities. The active participation of qualified intellectuals in national and organization works of the ARF is–nevertheless–vital. Of course–the eradication of those negative factors is the best guarantee for their return. To this end–ARF executive bodies and ran’s must display more understanding and receptive behavior toward our intellectuals. And because the ARF–in pursuit of its objectives–requires innovative programs–experts–unique methods–and intelligence–proper implementation–the intellectual becomes the key in fulfilling these needs.
RECRUITMENT OF WORKING AND PRODUCING CLASS INTO THE ARF STRUCTURES
The focal point of ARF’s national and social creed has been the working and producing segmen’s of Armenian society. Moreover–these segmen’s have been one of the pillars of ARF’s popular base. Along with the pursuit of national interests–the ARF also fights for the betterment of the socio-economic conditions of the Armenian people. Thus these segmen’s are the initial beneficiaries of that fight. Without their active presence and participation–ARF’s work for national and social objectives would be incomplete. Hence–not only should these segmen’s of Armenian society receive those benefits–but they should also join ARF structures and actively engage in overall ARF activities.
RECRUITMENT OF THE YOUNG GENERATION
This task is intended to fulfill the requirement of organizational rejuvenation. Naturally–this requirement cannot be self-serving. Its achievement is a necessary imperative for the expansion and modernization of ARF’s action plan in the political arena and other areas. Therefore–the age factor alone is not the necessary component here.
Rejuvenation primarily relates to the state of mind–style of work–and modern ways and means imposed by the deman’s of the 21st Century. The nature and extent of ARF work must undergo changes that correspond to the developing conditions taking place both within and outside the party organization. To keep pace with current times and conditions–the party must develop a corresponding state of mind–adopt a corresponding work style–and appropriate corresponding ways and means. Thus–in view of modern times and conditions–the ARF 29th World Congress affirms that these new deman’s and changes "make organizational rejuvenation a strategic priority." As for targeted organizational rejuvenation–it can take shape and form only by a cognizant–specialized–and committed young generation.
The enhancement of organizational strength has always been a built-in mechanism within ARF’s structure. That’s why the foregoing tasks and direction for the achievement of organizational empowerment and rejuvenation are not novel approaches for the ARF.
In its first official declaration the ARF Manifesto–published in 1890–the party underscored the importance and necessity of the alliance of the Armenian women–intellectuals–workingmen–and the young generation. Present conditions of the homeland and the Diaspora make the creation of that alliance as compelling and necessary as ever.
Yet–that alliance cannot come about with the formulation of wishes and opinions into resolutions. The World Congress has taken the necessary initial step in the right direction by adopting the pertinent resolutions. It is now up to ARF executive bodies and ran’s to take serious steps to implement those resolutions as instructed.