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ARS YOUTH CONNECT PROGRAM HELD IN NEW YORK
Http://Www.Armenianweekly.Com/2013/03/29/Ars-Youth-Connect-Program-Held-In-New-York/
March 29, 2013
On Sat., March 2, New York University's Kimmel Center Was The Venue
For The Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA's (ARS) Youth Connect
Program (YCP). The ARS Began The Educational Program In 1971 At Boston
University And Has, Through The Years, Developed And Changed It To
Meet The Changing Needs Of College Students. The Latest YCP Was A
One-Day Educational Seminar That Concluded With An "opportunity Fair"
With Representatives From Several Different Armenian Organizations,
Who Spoke To The Students About Internships Available Both In Armenia
And The United States.
A Group Shot Of The Participants
The 2013 YCP Drew More Than 30 Participants From Various Geographic
Locations, Universities, And Academic Disciplines. After Welcoming
Remarks, The Participants Were Divided Into Smaller Groups To Discuss
The Challenges That Armenians, Armenia, And Armenian Youth In General
Face In Modern Times. The Group Discussions Were Led By Professor
Asbed Kotchikian, A Senior Lecturer In The Global Studies Department At
Bentley University And Director Of The YCP. The Discussions Identified
Several Key Challenges, Including Lack Of Coordination Among Students,
The Demands Of Academic Life That Takes The Youth Away from their
communities, as well as a disconnect in terms of information and
awareness between Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora. In subsequent
group discussions, some concrete suggestions were made to narrow the
gap and keep young Armenians engaged in community life and in Armenia.
"The ARS Youth Connect Program this year brought to light multiple
topics of importance in the global Armenian community as well as
solutions to current issues we as Armenians experience. It was a
great opportunity to learn and connect with other Armenians!" said
participant Daniel Dakmakjian.
In subsequent group discussions, some concrete suggestions were made
to narrow the gap and keep young Armenians engaged in community life
and in Armenia.
In the afternoon, the participants had an opportunity to have an
interactive discussion with Haig Kayserian, the CEO of KAYWEB Angels,
an internet business expert, Angel investor, blogger, and public
speaker. Kayserian has founded two international companies, invested in
six U.S.-based tech startups, spoken before thousands in New York, San
Francisco, Sydney, and Melbourne, and has been quoted by mass and tech
media in the U.S. and Australia. In the talk, he shared his experiences
as an internet consultant and gave invaluable insight on how to use
various social media tools for youth activism. He also talked about
how social media will continue to change interactions among people
and redefine the parameters of future social and community activism.
The opportunity fair at the end of the day provided students with
information from such organizations as the ARS, Birthright Armenia,
Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Assembly of America,
Armenian Youth Federation, and Armenian General Benevolent Union.
Students had the chance to approach each organization's representative
to gather more information about their internships and opportunities.
Later that evening, the students were treated to dinner at the
Al Mayass restaurant, and continued their conversations. Thus, an
educational and social event was concluded and, hopefully, served as
inspiration for our future leaders.
"This year the Youth Connect Program was as excellent as ever,"
said Vazrik Chiloyan. "Although the theme of modern Armenian issues
and the common goals and problems of the diaspora and Armenians from
Armenia is present each year, the method of engaging the members and
the lectures presented never ceases to be amazing."
"With the video conference discussion by Kayserian on using modern
technology and social media to reach our political goals and
Kotchikian's wonderful ability to lecture and moderate discussions,
the academic aspect of the program was excellent," he continued. "The
social outing was also a wonderful way to meet Armenians from
throughout the country with various backgrounds with the common desire
to come together and connect."
The event was underwritten by the Norian Fund, whose funds are
earmarked for education. An investment in our youth is truly an
investment in our future. The ARS, founded in 1910 in New York City,
is an international organization dedicated to providing education,
culture, and humanitarian aid. To learn more about ARS Eastern USA
programs and projects in the United States, Armenia, Artsakh, and
Javakhk, visit www.arseastusa.org.
From: A. Papazian
Http://Www.Armenianweekly.Com/2013/03/29/Ars-Youth-Connect-Program-Held-In-New-York/
March 29, 2013
On Sat., March 2, New York University's Kimmel Center Was The Venue
For The Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA's (ARS) Youth Connect
Program (YCP). The ARS Began The Educational Program In 1971 At Boston
University And Has, Through The Years, Developed And Changed It To
Meet The Changing Needs Of College Students. The Latest YCP Was A
One-Day Educational Seminar That Concluded With An "opportunity Fair"
With Representatives From Several Different Armenian Organizations,
Who Spoke To The Students About Internships Available Both In Armenia
And The United States.
A Group Shot Of The Participants
The 2013 YCP Drew More Than 30 Participants From Various Geographic
Locations, Universities, And Academic Disciplines. After Welcoming
Remarks, The Participants Were Divided Into Smaller Groups To Discuss
The Challenges That Armenians, Armenia, And Armenian Youth In General
Face In Modern Times. The Group Discussions Were Led By Professor
Asbed Kotchikian, A Senior Lecturer In The Global Studies Department At
Bentley University And Director Of The YCP. The Discussions Identified
Several Key Challenges, Including Lack Of Coordination Among Students,
The Demands Of Academic Life That Takes The Youth Away from their
communities, as well as a disconnect in terms of information and
awareness between Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora. In subsequent
group discussions, some concrete suggestions were made to narrow the
gap and keep young Armenians engaged in community life and in Armenia.
"The ARS Youth Connect Program this year brought to light multiple
topics of importance in the global Armenian community as well as
solutions to current issues we as Armenians experience. It was a
great opportunity to learn and connect with other Armenians!" said
participant Daniel Dakmakjian.
In subsequent group discussions, some concrete suggestions were made
to narrow the gap and keep young Armenians engaged in community life
and in Armenia.
In the afternoon, the participants had an opportunity to have an
interactive discussion with Haig Kayserian, the CEO of KAYWEB Angels,
an internet business expert, Angel investor, blogger, and public
speaker. Kayserian has founded two international companies, invested in
six U.S.-based tech startups, spoken before thousands in New York, San
Francisco, Sydney, and Melbourne, and has been quoted by mass and tech
media in the U.S. and Australia. In the talk, he shared his experiences
as an internet consultant and gave invaluable insight on how to use
various social media tools for youth activism. He also talked about
how social media will continue to change interactions among people
and redefine the parameters of future social and community activism.
The opportunity fair at the end of the day provided students with
information from such organizations as the ARS, Birthright Armenia,
Armenian National Committee of America, Armenian Assembly of America,
Armenian Youth Federation, and Armenian General Benevolent Union.
Students had the chance to approach each organization's representative
to gather more information about their internships and opportunities.
Later that evening, the students were treated to dinner at the
Al Mayass restaurant, and continued their conversations. Thus, an
educational and social event was concluded and, hopefully, served as
inspiration for our future leaders.
"This year the Youth Connect Program was as excellent as ever,"
said Vazrik Chiloyan. "Although the theme of modern Armenian issues
and the common goals and problems of the diaspora and Armenians from
Armenia is present each year, the method of engaging the members and
the lectures presented never ceases to be amazing."
"With the video conference discussion by Kayserian on using modern
technology and social media to reach our political goals and
Kotchikian's wonderful ability to lecture and moderate discussions,
the academic aspect of the program was excellent," he continued. "The
social outing was also a wonderful way to meet Armenians from
throughout the country with various backgrounds with the common desire
to come together and connect."
The event was underwritten by the Norian Fund, whose funds are
earmarked for education. An investment in our youth is truly an
investment in our future. The ARS, founded in 1910 in New York City,
is an international organization dedicated to providing education,
culture, and humanitarian aid. To learn more about ARS Eastern USA
programs and projects in the United States, Armenia, Artsakh, and
Javakhk, visit www.arseastusa.org.
From: A. Papazian