Armenian-American Advocacy at California Democratic Party Convention

SAN FRANCISCO – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) made significant strides at the recent California Democratic Party Convention, actively advocating for critical Armenian-American priorities.

Engaging with Leaders and Stakeholders

During the convention, ANCA-WR representatives met with influential political figures, including state and federal lawmakers, gubernatorial candidates, and grassroots delegates. Their discussions focused on pivotal issues, such as:

• Safeguarding Armenia’s Security: Advocating for policies that protect Armenian sovereignty against rising threats.
• Demanding Accountability for Azerbaijan: Pushing for policies that hold Azerbaijan accountable for its aggressive actions.
• Protecting Armenian Heritage: Emphasizing the importance of preserving Armenian Christian heritage in Artsakh.
• Imposing Sanctions: Calling for sanctions against Turkey and Azerbaijan for their roles in ethnic cleansing.

Key Interactions with Elected Officials

ANCA-WR engaged in meaningful dialogues with a wide range of officials, including:

• State Senators: Scott Wiener, Henry Stern
• Assemblymembers: Patrick Ahrens, Jessica Caloza, John Harabedian, Rick Chavez-Zbur, Sade Elhawary, Matt Haney, Pilar Schiavo, Nick Schultz
• Gubernatorial Candidates: Ian Calderon, Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee
• Other Leaders: Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary Diana Love, and Superintendent Tony Thurmond

These discussions reinforced the relevance of Armenian issues within the political landscape of California and highlighted the growing influence of the Armenian-American community.

Strengthening Armenian-American Political Power

Board Member Astine Suleimanyan emphasized the increasing visibility and political strength of Armenian Americans, noting the importance of representation in key discussions. “With 28,000 delegates present, we witnessed an unmistakable rise in our political power,” she stated, further commending Vice Chair Deepa Sharma for her strong stand against community attacks.

Grassroots Advocacy Impact

ANCA-WR’s concerted efforts ensured that the Armenian-American community was a dominant force at the convention. By collaborating with Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD) to support Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor, the organization showcased community organization and resolve.

“We aren’t just asking for a seat at the table; we are building it,” Suleimanyan added, highlighting the importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping future political discussions.

Ongoing Engagement for Armenian Rights

Ruben Karapetian, ANCA-WR’s Executive Director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to engaging wherever crucial policies are shaped. The goal is to provide actionable insights to ensure Armenian-American concerns are recognized before decisions impact their rights and security.

Henry Agajanov, Northern California Regional Coordinator, remarked on the meaningful discussions about policy priorities and representation during the event, further showcasing the Armenian American community’s civic leadership in California.

Fostering Bipartisan Relationships

ANCA-WR remains dedicated to strengthening relationships across the political spectrum to advance human rights and justice. The organization aims to engage not only within the California Democratic Party but also with leaders at the upcoming California Republican Party Convention. This commitment seeks to enhance advocacy for Armenian rights and the dignity of the Armenian people.

Through its unwavering mission to defend Armenian rights and demand accountability for anti-Armenian aggression, ANCA-WR continues to push for policies that ensure the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia and protect Armenian Americans against rising inequities.

This content underscores the critical role of Armenian-American advocacy within California’s political landscape, presenting a united front for legislative support to address concerns effectively. For more information on Armenian rights and advocacy, check ANCA and explore ongoing initiatives aimed at protecting Armenian communities worldwide.