Tweet
REORGANIZATION AND REJUVENATION
The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
Editorial 6-28
By Edmond Y. Azadian
As tragic as it is, the depopulation of Armenia and the subsequent
settlement of those leaving the homeland in the US and other diasporan
nations, come to prove how vulnerable maintaining that identity is
in the host societies. On the other hand, the diasporan communities
have survived in alien lands for centuries and despite their losses
to assimilation; they have survived, because they have developed a
mechanism of self-preservation.
Armenian organizations in the diaspora have served as sanctuaries of
Armenian identity -- the churches, the schools, the press and media,
the relief and cultural organizations -- have interacted with each
other to weave a safety net for the preservation of Armenian heritage,
which in turn has nourished that identity.
Competition between the organizations has also fueled vitality,
as long as it has been kept away from destructive forces.
We have to recognize and give due credit to all organizations which
have contributed to the preservation of our heritage. One such
organization has been the Tekeyan Cultural Association, which held
its 33rd convention in its New Jersey center over the past weekend.
Delegates and members congregated representing chapters in the US
and Canada. A sense of euphoria permeated the atmosphere, because
the participants had waited far too long to come together, to share
their experiences and chart the course for future actions.
The TCA conventions traditionally are held biannually, but the June
20-21 convention was held after a three-year hiatus.
It is no secret that the organization experienced some turbulence in
the recent past which affected its normal operation.
Where there is smoke, there is fire, as the adage goes, but the
organization was able to rise above the malevolent actions of some
ill-wishers by continuing its cultural and educational missions
relentlessly.
The Tekeyan Cultural Association and the ADL move forward in
lockstep, in their realm of activities and structure. Disruption in
one organization, however, spills over the other. The ADL is a truly
democratic organization and unless a member is a democrat in sprit,
he or she can abuse the system very easily. The organization does
not exercise militaristic control like some others, to curb internal
dissent.
The conspiracy that upset the twin organizations pursued specific
goals; one was to neutralize the organization in Armenia as a political
force and the other was to seize control its assets. And indeed,
the organization's real estate holdings on the West Coast, Middle
East and Armenia was compromised. But the structure of the TCA US
and Canada was such that all assets ultimately were kept intact and
fiscal responsibility was observed.
The TCA of US and Canada owns and operates centers and schools in
North America. Additionally, it sponsors five schools in Armenia and
Karabagh through its Sponsor a Teacher Program. Its chapters carry
artistic and cultural activities in their respective communities and
they have left their indelible mark and impact in those communities
as ambassadors of Armenian culture.
The 33rd convention, hosted by the New York/New Jersey Chapter,
became a turning point to motivate the chapters and members to embrace
even more challenging goals and projects. The host chapter was the
most active one throughout the organization through its multifaceted
activities. It was also an inspiring guide to other chapters.
The convention also proved that accountability continued to remain
the core of its performance and source of public confidence.
The Tekeyan Cultural Association's Central Board is composed of 10
life members and three elective members, elected or re-elected at
every convention.
Some had questioned the structure and whether it was democratic
enough. But experience proved that it was the most viable system to
maintain stability, to assure the safety of its assets and to provide
a forum for change.
During the convention, three younger members came to replace the
retiring members. In time, those rotating members have the opportunity
to replace life members and the process of the rejuvenation of the
organization can thus continue smoothly.
The delegates attending the convention were gratified to find out
the performance of the organization, despite challenging times. They
were inspired and their inspiration will be contagious for the other
members in their respective communities.
The convention weekend culminated in an elegant banquet attended
by members and friends of the ADL and TCA. The attendance was even
broader, to include the representatives of many diverse organizations.
The banquet, with its outstanding program, was a tribute to one of the
hardest-working leaders of the organization, Hagop Vartivarian. The
attendance and the speeches came to prove that his activities and
his leadership extend far beyond the scope of a single organization
to have their impact throughout the community.
The impression of the evening will remain for a long time and motivate
the members and friends of the organization to strive even higher
and reach their cherished goals.
From: A. Papazian
The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
Editorial 6-28
By Edmond Y. Azadian
As tragic as it is, the depopulation of Armenia and the subsequent
settlement of those leaving the homeland in the US and other diasporan
nations, come to prove how vulnerable maintaining that identity is
in the host societies. On the other hand, the diasporan communities
have survived in alien lands for centuries and despite their losses
to assimilation; they have survived, because they have developed a
mechanism of self-preservation.
Armenian organizations in the diaspora have served as sanctuaries of
Armenian identity -- the churches, the schools, the press and media,
the relief and cultural organizations -- have interacted with each
other to weave a safety net for the preservation of Armenian heritage,
which in turn has nourished that identity.
Competition between the organizations has also fueled vitality,
as long as it has been kept away from destructive forces.
We have to recognize and give due credit to all organizations which
have contributed to the preservation of our heritage. One such
organization has been the Tekeyan Cultural Association, which held
its 33rd convention in its New Jersey center over the past weekend.
Delegates and members congregated representing chapters in the US
and Canada. A sense of euphoria permeated the atmosphere, because
the participants had waited far too long to come together, to share
their experiences and chart the course for future actions.
The TCA conventions traditionally are held biannually, but the June
20-21 convention was held after a three-year hiatus.
It is no secret that the organization experienced some turbulence in
the recent past which affected its normal operation.
Where there is smoke, there is fire, as the adage goes, but the
organization was able to rise above the malevolent actions of some
ill-wishers by continuing its cultural and educational missions
relentlessly.
The Tekeyan Cultural Association and the ADL move forward in
lockstep, in their realm of activities and structure. Disruption in
one organization, however, spills over the other. The ADL is a truly
democratic organization and unless a member is a democrat in sprit,
he or she can abuse the system very easily. The organization does
not exercise militaristic control like some others, to curb internal
dissent.
The conspiracy that upset the twin organizations pursued specific
goals; one was to neutralize the organization in Armenia as a political
force and the other was to seize control its assets. And indeed,
the organization's real estate holdings on the West Coast, Middle
East and Armenia was compromised. But the structure of the TCA US
and Canada was such that all assets ultimately were kept intact and
fiscal responsibility was observed.
The TCA of US and Canada owns and operates centers and schools in
North America. Additionally, it sponsors five schools in Armenia and
Karabagh through its Sponsor a Teacher Program. Its chapters carry
artistic and cultural activities in their respective communities and
they have left their indelible mark and impact in those communities
as ambassadors of Armenian culture.
The 33rd convention, hosted by the New York/New Jersey Chapter,
became a turning point to motivate the chapters and members to embrace
even more challenging goals and projects. The host chapter was the
most active one throughout the organization through its multifaceted
activities. It was also an inspiring guide to other chapters.
The convention also proved that accountability continued to remain
the core of its performance and source of public confidence.
The Tekeyan Cultural Association's Central Board is composed of 10
life members and three elective members, elected or re-elected at
every convention.
Some had questioned the structure and whether it was democratic
enough. But experience proved that it was the most viable system to
maintain stability, to assure the safety of its assets and to provide
a forum for change.
During the convention, three younger members came to replace the
retiring members. In time, those rotating members have the opportunity
to replace life members and the process of the rejuvenation of the
organization can thus continue smoothly.
The delegates attending the convention were gratified to find out
the performance of the organization, despite challenging times. They
were inspired and their inspiration will be contagious for the other
members in their respective communities.
The convention weekend culminated in an elegant banquet attended
by members and friends of the ADL and TCA. The attendance was even
broader, to include the representatives of many diverse organizations.
The banquet, with its outstanding program, was a tribute to one of the
hardest-working leaders of the organization, Hagop Vartivarian. The
attendance and the speeches came to prove that his activities and
his leadership extend far beyond the scope of a single organization
to have their impact throughout the community.
The impression of the evening will remain for a long time and motivate
the members and friends of the organization to strive even higher
and reach their cherished goals.
From: A. Papazian