A review of Homenetmen Western USA’s activities of the past two years was just one of the highlights during the organization’s two-day Convention November 7-9 at the Montebello Armenian Center. The region’s 30th convention brought together 124 elected delegates and more that 30 invited guests, including 33rd Navasartian Exemplary Homenetmen member Albert Ounjian and Honorary President Vahagn Thomasian, along with ARF CC representative Hagop Tufenkjian. Homenetmen Central Executive Vice Chairman Koko Balian represented the highest elected body of the organization.
Homenetmen Western Region Chairman Steve Artinian convened the meeting with the election of a temporary executive, after which the permanent executive was elected to run the convention; members included co-chairs Armen Aprahamian, Mher Tavitian and secretaries Harout Mardirossian, Hampig Havanjian, Vasken Arzoumanian, Henry Mertikhanian who assumed the tedious task of recording the meeting.
Convention activities included REC’s financial and activity report during the last term, followed by committee reviews of REC initiatives.
After questions and clarification on those activities, the convention assessed the REC’s two-year performance. Pointing to the purchase of a new center as well as a campground, the body stressed the REC’s activities were conducted in an "outstanding" manner. They also praised the ability to attract even greater number of youth and step-up the quality of activities provided to them.
In order to conduct a thorough review and make recommendations, delegates formed various committees to evaluate organizational and educational practices, athletics, scouting, Navasartian activities, public relations and Camp Tecuya. Most recommendations outlined chapter and inter-regional programs directed toward strengthening athletics and scouting, and expanding the already massive Navasartian Games.
On Sunday, November 9, after the convention ratified REC’s activities, election of a new executive was held; the following members were elected: Steve Artinian (Los Angeles), Hovig Bedevian (Massis), Maro Keshishian (Los Angeles), Rima Abedi-Sagherian (Ararat), Thomas Tokmajian (Shant), Vartkes Shekherdemian (Shant), Pierre Manoukian (Los Angeles), Anahid Mansourian (Ararat), Khatchig Khalatian (Ararat), Raffi Khatchadourian (San Francisco), Jano Kahwajian (Massis)
In his congratulatory remarks, the Vice-Chairman of Homenetmen Central executive said: "Homenetmen’s success rate in educating youth is in its ability to work cohesively, and I’m sure that the newly elected executive with work even harder to bring cohesion within Homenetmen."
On behalf of the convention executive body, chairman Mher Tavitian thanked participants for their trust, and in his message to the outgoing REC, congratulated them for their success in realizing the wholesome goals that Homenetmen pursues.
Tavitian especially thanked the Montebello Tro chapter for their hospitality in hosting the convention, which ended with many successes as well as praise by California Assemblymember Kevin de Leon on Homenetmen’s success in reaching out to youth through its 17 chapters.
