‘We Are Very Nimble, Therefore Very Effective’

An Interview with ARS Eastern USA Chairperson Muriel Parseghian

By Khatchig Mouradian

Muriel Parseghian has been a member of the ARS Lowell Lusintak Chapter for over 25 years. She is currently serving her third stint as chairperson of the ARS Eastern USA. (One was in the early 1990s and the other was six years ago. She is now in the final two years of the current term.) “We have term limits, which is great because you cannot continue to serve at the high level that the position demands, and because, more importantly, it gives a wide range of individuals an opportunity to lead,” she says. “I have served on the Board with dozens of different members. And I learned and continue to learn from each and everyone one of them,” she adds.

I spoke to her on July 22 about the challenges facing the organization that she has served for a quarter of a century, and the work that is being done by the ARS Eastern USA.

Khatchig Mouradian—Anniversaries are a time for celebrating and recognizing past accomplishments. They are also an opportunity to evaluate the work done and, if need be, chart a new course. On the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the ARS, what are the challenges facing the organization and what suggestions do you have for adapting to the challenges and changes in today’s world?

Muriel Parseghian—The challenges are many but there are two major issues facing the organization here in the United States as we approach our 100th anniversary. One issue is external and the other is internal.

The first one has to do with American society. Most ARS members no longer live in neighborhoods or cities that have high concentrations of Armenians. We are dispersed throughout the Eastern U.S. Most members do not even see each other until their monthly meeting. That was not the case a decade ago. Furthermore, our members are women who for the most part have a job or careers, and are raising a family and are responsible for the welfare of their parents. They essentially have three jobs. The time and effort they can put into a volunteer organization is limited. Therefore, what they cannot do with quantity, they now need to compensate with quality. We need to learn to use our time and effort in a more intelligent manner.

The second issue facing our organization is not unique to the ARS. We have three generations of women active in the ARS. Each represents a different mindset, a different cultural perspective.

It is a challenge to make sure that all voices are heard and a consensus is built around those varying points of view.

K.M.—You cite two major challenges to the organization. How is it trying to adapt to these challenges?

M.P.—We use technology to communicate. The internet has been an invaluable partner to help us get the word out among our members. Within a few minutes we can get the word out to the majority of our members. Also, members have become specialists. In the past, everyone did a bit of everything. We have members now focusing on one or two projects, from the inception to its conclusion, thus eliminating the need for the larger group to be involved. We need to do a better job at adjusting to these new realities. But we have recognized the challenge and have begun to implement some solutions to the problem. We still have a long way to go.

As for the second challenge, the various mind-set within a chapter, we, the leadership, encourage chapters to flourish within their own environment. By that I mean that we do not have a cookie-cutter approach to how a chapter should function. They have to follow the rules and regulations of our organization and follow our Constitution, but within those parameters they are free to focus on the activities that their chapter membership sees as part of the ARS mission. There is some flexibility.

K.M.—What initiatives are being taken in preparation of the 100th anniversary by the ARS in general, and the ARS Eastern USA in particular?

M.P.—The ARS Central Executive has launched a major campaign to establish a $5 million endowment fund for the ARS. Additionally, a 100th anniversary of the history of the ARS is being written and will be published on the occasion.

Here in the Eastern USA, we have a very active committee, which is not only concentrating on raisings funds but also on celebrating 100 years of service to the Armenian community.

We have already had a number of successful fundraising efforts, including a silent auction in Detroit last fall, and the successful tour of Pierre Shammasian theater troupe in Washington, Watertown and New Jersey. But there are a number of other events currently in the planning stage that we will soon be announcing. All of our 33 chapters are committed to making this campaign a successful one.

We also have a number of prominent members of the community, ARS and non-ARS members, who have graciously agreed to serve on this region-wide committee, including long-time Armenian Weekly columnist Tom Vartabedian. We will soon be announcing some of these activities as we begin to implement them.

K.M.—Can you provide more details about the initiatives of the ARS Eastern USA in the context of the ARS Endowment Fund?
M.P.—The fundraising effort is being conducted on a number of levels. On the local level, chapters are directed to devote at least one significant event to fundraise for this effort. On the regional level, we have tentative plans for a golf outing in Florida or perhaps Virginia; a commemorative book, called “A Century of Memories,” which will chronicle the ARS in the Eastern USA and honor the memory of our past members and the fundraising will culminate in a gala dinner dance in 2010.

Of course, many of our benefactors and supporters who have generously donated to previous fundraising efforts have already indicated they will participate. We are also relying on the thousand of scholarship winners and Summer Studies students who benefited from the programs the ARS offered and are now in a position to financially acknowledge their gratitude.

K.M.—There are currently many organizations in the Armenian-American community that providing humanitarian, educational, social and medical assistance to Armenia and Armenian communities in need of such assistance. Do you think these organizations need to cooperate or coordinate their work, especially in Armenia? Any suggestions regarding this issue?

M.P.—My answer may be a bit controversial, but it is no. I do not think these organizations have an obligation to their membership, to their benefactors or to the Armenian people to coordinate and cooperate. They need to be effective and productive—that is their major obligation. If they cannot do that, then their mission will fail and the viability of such an organization will be limited.

Having said that, sometimes it is more effective if they do coordinate. But that would have to be on a project-by-project basis. I am sure there is duplication of effort, but that reality is not limited to the humanitarian efforts in Armenia. Here in Massachusetts, we have dozens of non-profit who provide the same service but they all approach their mission from a different angle. The same thing can be said of what is happening in Armenia.

K.M.—Talk about the challenge of recruiting young members. How can we make involvement in organizations like the ARS appealing to the youth?

M.P.—We have some built-in advantages.They are called mothers, grandmothers, aunts and mother-in-laws. We are a very welcoming organization. Most of our meetings are conducted in English, and the appeal of volunteerism mixed with an all-women organization has a strong appeal to our younger members. Where we are not so successful is having them take on leadership positions.

K.M.—Talk about the main accomplishments of the ARS Eastern USA in the past decade.

M.P.—By far it is the amount of funds we have raised and distributed here in the United States and in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk. Just this past year, the ARS and its 33 chapters donated over $250,000 to schools for education, humanitarian relief and cultural programs. This is repeated year after year. The vast network that we have is highly efficient in raising and distributing funds.

Let me give you two examples of recent years:

Last July as we were finishing our Regional Convention, the conflict in Lebanon broke out. As you know, the Armenian community in that country had to provide medical aid and shelter to their countrymen who were fleeing their bombed out homes. After the plea for assistance came, within a matter of hours we had raised $5,000 through our chapters and were able to transfer the funds immediately. Within a few weeks, our total had reached $30,000.

The other example is when Hurricane Katrina took place. I received a phone call from a representative of the Armenian church in Louisiana. Although the majority of the Armenian residents of New Orleans were safe, staying with friends and relatives, they had no access to their funds. As the U.S. government was working out the details of the assistance, we were able—through the efforts of our chapters—to send these families some funds to sustain themselves until the official bureaucracy came to their assistance.
We are very nimble, therefore very effective.

K.M.—How were you introduced to the ARS?

M.P.—I came to the ARS the same way a lot of others have, through my mother and the AYF. The ARS has hundreds of AYF alumnae in its ranks, many in leadership positions. What I like about the ARS is that it is goal oriented. We decide what we want to achieve, layout the plan, execute it and then evaluate the impact. Granted, our plans may not be as lofty as some other organizations, but a lot of small steps lead to a few giant leaps.

Also, I love the fact that the ARS is a grassroots, volunteer, predominantly woman’s organization that crosses generational, economic, social and educational boundaries. It is a very large and welcoming tent. I always feel as if I am learning and teaching at the same time.

K.M.—How should people who are reading this interview proceed if they want to get involved in one way or another with the work the ARS is doing? Who should they contact about membership or to give donations?

M.P.—The best way is to contact our office by phone, at (617) 926-3801, or by e-mail to: arseastus@aol.com or office@arseastus.org.

We have a full-time executive secretary, Vartouhie Chiloyan, who can answer any question. We can then have their local chapter contact them if they are interested in joining or participating in local activities.

We welcome all donations of course. We receive both general donations and those earmarked for particular projects. We are a 501(c), non-profit registered organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

And I and the other Board members are always available to discuss the ARS programs.

ARS Eastern USA Regional Holds 87th Annual Convention

GAITHERSBURG, Md.—On July 12, ARS delegates and observers from throughout the Eastern United States gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg for the 87th Annual ARS Convention, hosted by the Greater Washington Satenig Chapter.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks by Leeza Doukmajian, chairwoman of ARS Satenig Chapter, and Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian of the Prelacy. Mimi Parseghian, speaking on behalf of the ARS Eastern USA Board of Regional Directors, thanked the Satenig Chapter for its hard work in preparing and planning for the Convention.

Haig Oshagan of the ARF, Shakeh Basmajian of the ARS CE, Hovsep Avakian of Hamazkayian, Vahe Tanashian of Homenetmen, Keghouhi Bastajian of the ARS in Canada, Aram Hamparian of the ANCA and Der Sarkis Aktavoukian of the Sourp Khatch Church were also in attendance.

From the Eastern Region’s 33 chapters, 22 chapters were present with 33 delegates.

Parseghian opened the Convention, and Talin Daglian was nominated and elected as English language chairperson; Silva Kouyoumdjian was elected as Armenian language chairperson; Sevan Stone and Arda McCarthy were elected as English language secretaries; and Maggie Khatcherian and Elo Tanashian were elected as the Armenian language secretaries.

Nayiri Balanian (Philadelphia Ani Chapter), Caroline Chamavonian (Philadelphia Ardemis) and Takouhy Hartounian (Detroit Tzolig) were elected to serve on the Credentials Committee, and found that the convention was in order and could proceed.

The following members were elected to serve on the Nominating Committee by unanimous consent: Melanie Kerneklian (Richmond Hooys), Sose Tokatlian (Florida Sosseh), Sonia Gulbenk (Fairfield Susan Terzian), Joyce Yeremian (Providence Ani) and Linda Terzian (New Jersey Bergen County).

Angele Manoogian was appointed the parliamentarian; she was the only guest of the Regional. Elsie Mouradian, Beta Nahabedian and Shousig Makhsaedian were selected guests of this Convention. Nayiri Balanian was appointed reporter. Sona Garabedian was appointed as Sergeant of Arms.

The Resolution Committee members chose were Susan Azarian (New Jersey Bergen County), Ann Marie Bokatzian (Detroit Maro), Sonia Akelian (Chicago Zabelle) and Ardemis Kalayjian (Cambridge Shushi).

The Correspondance Committee members were Zabel Mooradian Faye (Binghamton Anahid), Sirvart Telbelian (Detroit Shakeh) and Takouhy Hartounian (Detroit Tzolig).

The Auditing Committee members were Vanouhi Tashjian (Cambridge Shushi), Maral Nakashian (Washington Satenig) and Jaquelin Stamboulian (New Jersey Agnouni).

Parseghian presented the Annual Report of the ARS Eastern USA Board of Directors. She also answered the delegates’ questions and concerns, which greatly centered on the future of the Armenian National Education Committee and of the Summer Studies program.

Shakeh Basmajian, ARS Central Executive Board member, read the CE Report. Shakeh and Hasmig Derderian, the chairperson of the Central Executive Board, answered questions and made clarifications.

Angele Manoogian, the ARS Eastern USA Centennial Fundraising Committee chairperson, updated the Convention body on the major fundraising plans of the committee, which includes a Golf Outing in Florida or Virginia; a Matching Fund Program from non-Armenian companies; and a memorial commemorative book called “A Century of Memories,” where individuals and families can sponsor a page in memory of a loved one in their family who was an ARS member. The two-year fundraising effort will end with a major gala dinner.

Additionally, she informed the delegates that Tom Vartabedian of Massachusetts would write a monthly column on the ARS for the Armenian Weekly, both on current activities and the organization’s history. These articles will appear until the fundraising ends in 2010.

All chapters are asked to participate and help Vartabedian by providing ideas and names for this series, including the ARS’s oldest members a history of the chapters, unique chapter or regional activities. A special thanks to Vartabedian, who will be available to interview our members for this column.

The Convention agreed to the following resolutions: The creation of a pilot program as outreach to the youth informing them of the ARS’s programs; an organization-wide voluntary e-mail list so that all chapter members receive circulars before a meeting. a one-day educational seminar for ARS members in various geographical areas in the region, all with the same topic.

The Nominating Committee nominated the newest members of the Board of Directors. Members who will be remaining through term are Anahid Sarafian (Chicago Zabelle), Lucy Essajanian (Cambridge Shushi), and Anais Cholakian and Koharik Davidian (New York Mayr). Members who were reelected are Knar Kiledjian (New Jersey Shake) and Mimi Parseghian (Lowell Lousintak). Talin Daghlian (New Jersey Agnouni) and Arda McCarthy (New Jersey Spitak) were elected as the first and second alternates, respectively.

The 87th Convention culminated in a well-attended banquet and dinner/dance at the Hilton Hotel on July 14, with Vatche Agopian and His Band from LA.

Ungh Sonia Kolejian in the picture s honored for her services to ARS

Leeza Doukmajian and Sevan Kolejian emceed the event and honored the following chapter members for their years of services and outstanding contributions: Khonar Tavitian, Angele Pakhchanian, Sonia Kolejian, Nora Jarian, Maro Assatourian, Shake Kalayjian, Vehanoush Lehimjian, Rose Marsoubian, Lydia Bahlavouni, Eleeze Magarian and Rose Baboyan.
 

Ungh Rose Baboyan, the first chairlady of ARS Satenig Chapter and ungh Leeza Doukmajian the current Chairlady of ARS Satenig Chapter

Baboyan was the first chairlady of the Satenig Chapter (at the age of 17), and was bestowed the higher honors. Nayiri Balanian surprised her with a special Armenian poem dedicated to her.

Hasmig Derderian, Mimi Parseghian and Haig Oshagan addressed the Banquet attendees, stressing the roll of individuals, chapters and the community in reaching our goals. Later, Anahid Sarrafian presented the Century Club trophy to the ARS N.J. Agnouni Chapter, which generated the most new Century Club members for the 2006 to 2007 fiscal year. The Century Club is a 17-year old program where individuals can support the ARS Eastern USA with an annual $100 contribution. Agnouni delegates Talin Daghlian and Jaquelin Stamboulian accepted the trophy on behalf of their chapter.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ARS Eastern USA Agnouni Award, which is given to an individual or entity that has supported the ARS mission in a significant and lasting manner. The 2007 Agnouni Award recipient was Chake Der Melkonian Minassian. Keghouhi Bastajian, an ARS Canada Board member, accepted the Agnouni Award on behalf of Minassian.She said, “I am honored to carry this award on behalf of Ungerouhi Chake Der Melkonian Minassian. I will carry on your warm welcome to her as well.”

The ARS Board of Regional Directors thanks the ARS Greater Washington Satenig Chapter and appreciates the hard work of its young and old members for enhancing the Convention experience for everyone in attendance.

For more information about the ARS Eastern USA, visit www.arseastus.org; e-mail arseastus@aol.com or office@arseastus.org; call (617) 926-3801; or write to ARS Eastern USA, 80 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA 02472.

 

Armenian Relief Society’s Mayr Chapter of New York Hosts Lecture in Honor of International Women’s Day

      On March 1, 2007, over 30 attendees gathered at  St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral’s Pashalian Hall for a lecture on women and social activism in honor of International Women’s Day.  The lecture commenced with welcoming remarks from Anahid Ugurlayan, chairperson of the ARS Mayr Chapter.  She also delivered a brief presentation on the advent and significance of International Women’s Day as well as the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

at the United Nations (the ARS is an NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN). 

Ms. Ugurlayan highlighted women’s contributions within this framework, from issues such as microfinance, domestic abuse and protection of women during armed conflict, since most NGO members are women. 

The program continued with a detailed presentation

 from Dr. Naira Avetisyan, Chief Protection Officer of UNICEF’s

 branch in Armenia -- in New York, invited by the Armenian

Relief Society’s Central Executive Board, to attend the

 51^st Session of the United Nations Commission on the

Status of Women conference at the United Nations.

        Dr. Avetisyan explained that despite the relatively recent presence of UN and UNICEF in Armenia (1993 and 1994, respectively), Armenia has implemented many programs dedicated to children’s well-being in terms of healthcare (e.g., reduction in infant mortality) and education.  She noted that Armenia has also led the way in discussing the issue of violence against children, with key discussions

on the issue emerging after her presentation at the UN two

 years ago, with a final report to be presented at the 51^st Session

of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2/26/07-3/9/07).

 Yet despite these accomplishments, Dr. Avetisyan remarked

that there are many challenges that face young girls in Armenia. 

Poverty and unemployment in rural areas has resulted in mothers

placing their children in orphanages because they receive more

subsidies for social services from the government.  Families

with children under the age of five are at even greater risk of

giving up their children because their families rely on them to

 find employment in order to support them.  Yet institutionalized

 children are not the only ones who are marginalized, as Dr. Avetisyan

 pointed out; children with disabilities are stigmatized because of

their special needs which are not addressed by the educational system. Though there are “special” schools designed to help such children,enrollment is low as is governmental funding of such schools. 

While Dr. Avetisyan noted that the government has begun to

provide greater financial assistance to families falling below

the poverty line and that there is greater emphasis on rural

development, she stressed that more needs to be done, in

particular by reuniting institutionalized children with their

families, redirecting allocations from the institutions to the families,

providing more outreach services (social workers, psychologists),

and ensuring that special needs children have individualized

development plans that can be regularly assessed and updated. 

        Following Dr. Avetisyan’s remarks was a presentation by Meline Ghazaryan, a 16-year old student from Armenia who was chosen among hundreds of girls to speak at a program called “Girls Speak Out,” which was moderated by CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor, Katie Couric, and which took place during the 51^st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women conference at the United Nations.  Ms. Ghazaryan stressed the need for the Armenian government to implement its well crafted laws and policies on children’s education, rural development and inclusion of special needs children into the education system and society as a whole.  Having a disability herself, she stressed that Armenian society also has a responsibility to change its perceptions about children with disabilities to foster community support and, ultimately, full inclusion into community activities.  Ms. Ghazaryan ended by declaring that her goal was to become an educated woman.  The audience applauded this articulate young girl and hoped that she would not only reach her goal, but surpass it by becoming a voice for all girls and leading the way for the inclusion of disabled children into society to become fully functioning members of it. 

 The ARS was founded in 1910 as an independent, non-sectarian, non-governmental organization (NGO), serving the humanitarian, social, and educational needs of Armenians. The ARS has affiliate entities in 25 countries with a membership of approximately 18,000.  An NGO on the roster in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the ARS is a 501© (3) charitable, tax-exempt organization. 

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