Armenian-Americans: Working Together to Prevent Tragedy and Ensure Independence
Since the first wave of Armenians came to the United States in the 19th century, Armenian-Americans have dedicated themselves to preserving their culture and ensuring their homeland’s independence. Just shy of 400,000 residents in the United States according to the 2005 census, Armenian-Americans today are increasingly working together to defend their rights, provide assistance to Armenia and bring their issues to the attention of U.S. policymakers. At the same time, they have participated in the American political system through voting and running for public office. Armenian-American George Deukmejian, Jr. served as California’s Governor from 1983-1991, helping solidify his community’s interest in civic participation.Founded in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America was created as a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. Their programs have ranged from a Washington D.C.-based intern program that boasts 700 graduates since 1977, to media outreach aimed at bringing attention to Armenia’s independence movement in the mid-1980s.
The Assembly developed relationships with Congress, the national media and think tanks in order to garner support for Armenia’s struggle for self-determination and as a result, they secured annual U.S. assistance to Armenia. From 1988 to 1998, U.S. aid to Armenia totaled over $1.4 billion according to the Assembly. Furthering these efforts to promote U.S.-Armenia relations, the Assembly opened the first permanent Western office in Yerevan in 1988. Today, the Assembly continues to promote civil society initiatives within Armenia and works towards the universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in conjunction with other organizations and policy makers.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) also advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues. Since the early 1990s, it has served as a representative of Armenian-Americans on public policy matters, acting as a liaison between the community and elected officials. It works to ensure appropriate commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, promotes the strengthening of Armenia as a secure and democratic state, and secures direct U.S. aid to the disputed territory Nagorno Karabakh.
According to ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian, “Armenian Americans are issue voters, and look to the candidates seeking their support to be clear about their views and values - particularly on issues related to the Armenian Genocide, Nagorno Karabakh, the strengthening of Armenia, and the growth of U.S.-Armenia relations.” By participating in the American electoral process at all levels and educating Armenian-Americans about issues that affect them, the organization serves as a grassroots resource with far-reaching influence.
The principles of democracy and self-determination are values that Armenian-Americans have fought to extend from their adopted country to their ancestral homeland. With organizations working to protect and promote Armenian-American interests both at home and abroad, this diaspora group has found a way to establish a tradition of civic engagement that reaches beyond its immediate borders.