GLENDALE—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation “Shant” Student Association has a tight hold on its priorities: inspire youth to get hands-on in the rebuilding of a young Armenia. The best way to do this? Organize a free event that gives hundreds of young people the chance to network and connect with progressive organizations that are making waves in their homeland.
Tebi Yergir: Making a Repatriation a Reality will be held in the Glendale Central Library on April 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. The program will kick off with networking and the premiere of a unique photo exhibit: a collection of photographs taken by children in Gyumri who were given free reign with polaroid cameras. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a video introducing participants to members of the diaspora currently living in Armenia. Then, at 4:45 p.m., two distinguished speakers will take the stage: entrepreneur Al Eisaian and documentary photographer Sara Anjargolian—both of whom are TEDxYerevan alumni.
The list of organizations who will have booths at the event includes: Armenian Volunteer Corps, AYF Youth Corps, Birthright Armenia, Christian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA), Armenia Tree Project, Habitat for Humanity, Visit Armenia, It is Beautiful, ARS Javakhk Fund, American University of Armenia, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, Land and Culture, Fuller Center for Housing, Hamazkayin Summer Forum, and Children of Armenia Fund.
With opportunities in everything from environmental activism to graphic design, they have also invited organizations that can help organize and facilitate the trip. In essence, the event will be a one-stop shop for anybody looking not only for a way to apply their passions in Armenia, but for a way to make it happen. If that’s not convincing enough, they have also announced that the first 100 attendees get entered into a raffle draw for a chance to win cool prizes.
This will be the second official Tebi Yergir event organized by the ARF “Shant” Student Association. Driven by their vision for a free and democratic homeland, they mobilize their community to use their intellect and resources to move closer to that goal. “We are in a unique point in our history, it’s a critical time,” says Nora Kayserian, “we have only had our independence for 20 years. Really, anything is possible; but with the help of a committed diaspora, the future is much, much brighter.”
