LOS ANGELES, CA – The AYF-Western United States held its 50th annual convention from Thursday, October 3, to Sunday, October 6, 2024. Delegates from all 12 chapters gathered at the Montebello Armenian Community Center for a four-day conference to review the events, programs, and initiatives of the past fiscal year and discuss organizational projects, priorities, and goals for the coming year.
Present at the convention were representatives from the ARF Central Committee, ARF Bureau Office of Youth Affairs Representative, AYF Juniors Central Committee, Armenian National Committee of America, AYF Camp Management Board of Directors, AYF Eastern Region Central Executive, and AYF Canada Central Executive.
Discussions included strategies to enhance membership engagement, strengthen community connections and activism, establish a more robust foundation for Armenian youth, and foster ties with the homeland through various projects and initiatives. The AYF-WUS Convention reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its core values, emphasizing its vital role in the political and cultural life of the Armenian nation. The 50th Annual Convention concluded with the election of a new Central Executive body, consisting of Hakop Hajibekyan, Ani Ghazaryan, Greg Balalian, Herag Menachian, Shant Atamian, Talar Andonian, and Hovig Ohanian.
In remarks on behalf of the newly elected Central Executive, Balalian stated, “The 50th annual convention offers members from across the Western United States the opportunity to gather and discuss ways to advance our cause. We are excited to advance our work within our community here in the Diaspora and in the Homeland.”
Established in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States, dedicated to promoting social, political, educational, athletic, and cultural awareness among Armenian-American youth.
