CANBERRA: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) is gearing up for the fourth edition of the ANC-AU Youth Advocates program scheduled to take place in the nation's capital Canberra on November 29th and 30th 2022, as part of the annual ANC-AU Advocacy Week.
The popular program is set to return after a one-year forced hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions across Australian state and territory jurisdictions.
The ANC-AU Youth Advocates program is a key component of the organisation's ongoing #ANCAUOutreach initiatives aimed at encouraging more Armenian-Australians to enter the field of politics and associated disciplines.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has seen over 60 participants venture to Canberra to learn the art of advocacy, under the guidance of the ANC-AU office, national board and veteran advocates.
The two-day program, supported by the ANC-AU Hagop Kortian Scholarship, has seen young Armenian-Australians from across the country, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Auckland New Zealand partake in the program.
The program’s popularity is attributed to providing young Armenian-Australians with a gateway to enter the field of politics whilst providing them with a platform to raise their voice and advocate for issues important to them – justice for the Armenian Genocide, Artsakh’s survival and Armenia’s security.
ANC-AU Executive Director Michael Kolokossian – himself an alum of the inaugural ANC-AU Youth Advocates program – spoke to its importance.
“This unique program prepares the next torch bearers of the Armenian cause, that is ultimately where our future lies, in the youth of today,” Kolokossian said.
“By supporting and educating young members of our community we are paving the way for a successful future, an elite and experienced Hai Tad and individuals who will champion our cause in their respective disciplines.”
“Our goal has so far been achieved, with former participants now working in Ministerial offices and departments across the country and we anticipate the same results from the 2022 cohort,” Kolokossian added.
The next instalment of the ANC-AU Youth Advocates program will feature:
A two-day trip to the nation's capital Canberra, with fellow Armenian-Australian youth, as well as members of the Armenian National Committee of Australia National Board and Office;
Hands-on Advocacy Workshops;
A Mock Parliamentary Discussion at Parliament House on a topic of national relevance, moderated by MPs;
Sessions at think tanks and media organisations;
Mock Advocacy sessions with Senators and Members of Parliament;
Intimate networking opportunities with parliamentarians, think tanks and media personnel;
Attendance at Parliamentary Question Time.
SIGN UP NOW BY CLICKING HERE AND FILLING OUT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
