Members of the Armenian Youth Federation Juniors - Western Region participated in a youth conference held from November 1 to 3 in Montreal, Canada. Joined by youth from around the world for a three-day conference, AYF Juniors engaged in dynamic discussions and activities. After months of preparation and planning between the regions, the conference provided a platform for exchanging new ideas, paving the way for enhanced collaboration on initiatives related to advocacy, leadership, and community service.
"We were incredibly honored to be part of this impactful conference, which provided our youth with a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow," said Claudia Mehranbod, AYF Juniors Central Council member. "Traveling with our juniors from Los Angeles to Montreal was an unforgettable experience that we will always cherish."
"Seeing them gathered together with passionate, like-minded peers was truly inspiring. The energy in the room was electric and everyone was eager to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and explore innovative approaches. It was a proud moment for me to witness their growth, and I loved seeing how inspired they were, ready to return to the Western Region with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose to engage and empower their fellow Juniors. Վստահ մեր սիրելի պատանիները մեզ հպարտացուցին եւ ճամբայ բացին դէպի մեր կազմակերպութեան փայլուն ապագան," added Mehranbod.
Representing AYF Juniors chapters from Pasadena, Orange County, North Valley, South Valley, and La Crescenta, the Western Region participants included Talar Khayalian, Harout Mitilian, Krikor Tutunjian, Vaughn Melkonian, Lori Sosikian, Paul Ohannessian, Lia Kargodorian, Joseph Titizian, Antranig Chahmelikian, and Vana Baronian. Joining the Western Region were youth from Canada, the East Coast, and Australia. Over the course of three days, a series of group activities, workshops, and presentations deepened their understanding of the role of AYF Juniors in the various regions represented at the conference, and fostered strong connections among the youth.
"Participating in the AYF Juniors conference in Montreal, our children had the invaluable opportunity to deepen their connection with their Armenian heritage and foster a sense of global responsibility," stated Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian, parent of participant Lia Kargodorian and Head of School for Chamlian Armenian School.
"It was heartening to see them engage with Armenian youth from different regions, sharing experiences and discussing how to actively contribute to the betterment of Armenia and our communities worldwide. This conference is a testament to how our youth are being equipped with the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to navigate and contribute to the complex world of the 21st century. My heartfelt thanks go to the AYF Juniors Central Council for offering such a transformative experience, truly cultivating our next generation of leaders," she added.
Not only were the participants sharing new ideas and establishing long lasting connections with fellow Armenian youth from the East Coast, Canada, and Australia, but they were also strengthening ties between AYF Juniors in the Western Region. The conference allowed them to build strong bonds between the diverse chapters and communities in the Western Region, fostering interpersonal relationships at the chapter level.
"I loved being able to reunite with old friends from Montreal that I had met at AYF Camp this past summer, and to form new friendships with people from New Jersey, Toronto, and Australia," said Harout Mitilian, a participant from AYF Juniors "Nigol Touman" Pasadena Chapter. "Looking back, I realize how quickly this organization creates opportunities for us to form bonds and share ideas with people you can trust for the rest of your life, despite how far they might live."
The Armenian Youth Federation Juniors Central Council oversees twelve AYF Juniors Chapters in the Western Region. Three JCC members, Ung. Sylva Khayalian, Arlene Tutunjian, and Claudia Mehranbod, traveled with the ten participants to Canada, where they maintained an active and vital presence at the conference. The JCC is fully committed to supporting AYF Juniors Western Region to the fullest extent and welcomes every opportunity to collaborate with Armenian youth across the globe, while advocating for the homeland and advancing the Armenian cause.