Armenian-American Voter Outreach Panel Connects at Democratic HQ

The United Democratic Headquarters hosted the San Gabriel Valley Armenian American Democrats (SGVAAD) and many Armenian American leaders at the first Armenian American Voter Roundtable Outreach on Sunday, October 7.

Khatchik “Chris” Chahinian, Founding Chair of SGVAAD, introduced and facilitated the panel of participants which included Caro Avanessian, Founding Chair of the California Armenian American Democrats; Roy Boulghourjian of Armenian Community Coalition of Pasadena; Anna Iskikian a young activist and UDH Volunteer; Ardashes Kassakhian, Glendale City Clerk; Sevak Khatchadorian of the Armenian Council of America; and Juliet Minassian, DNC California Delegate and Founding Vice Chair of California Armenian American Democrats.

The panel discussed the challenges of voter registration and participation in the Armenian American community and collectively brainstormed solutions to combat political apathy; many of the panelist emphasized on the need for adequate resources essential to reach out to the 20,000 Armenian Americans living in Pasadena (the second highest in the nation, after Glendale) with less than 2,500 registered to vote.

The community leaders shared personal struggles and triumphs and offered suggestions to the UDH on how the Headquarters can increase Armenian American participation in the community and in the office. Lonnée Hamilton, the UDH Campaign Coordinator, welcomed the recommendations and reminded the participants that the UDH was a “volunteer-run organization” that was “fueled by the activity” of those present at the roundtable discussion. “You tell us what you want to see happen and we’ll do all we can to work with you and make it happen,” she said.

The turn-out was better than anticipated. The audience, which consisted of everyone from first and fifth generation Armenian Americans, was engaged in the conversation and actively participated in the Q&A session. The passion shared in the room was the guiding force that lead Mr. Chahinian and the panelists to assert that by 2015, they will “double the number of registered Armenian-American voters” in Pasadena.

Mr. Chahinian and the panelists plan to continue their community activism. Congresswoman Judy Chu will be at a Meet & Greet at Mr. Chahinian’s house on October 21st at 4:00p.m. Those interested in attending are urged to RSVP with Mr. Chahinian at sgvadems@gmail.com.