GLENDALE—As the 2009 Summer Session of the Armenian National Committee-Western Region’s Internship-Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP) begins its fifth week, Razmig Khayalian, an Administration and Development Intern with the program is busily working on several projects addressing both the developmental aspects of non-profit organizations as well as assisting ANC outreach efforts to the Orange County area community.
“I wanted to participate in the program because it was a great way for me to match my passion about these issues with an opportunity to do something about it,” says Khayalian.
Khayalian is working with the local ANCs outside of California to help connect local activists with their elected representatives. He is also working with the ANC of Orange County in its effort to expand its outreach to students and young professionals and help organize its end of summer community issues briefing.
Khayalian is currently a student at the University of California, Irvine where he is studying Political Science with a minor in Conflict Resolution and a certificate in Mediation. He hopes to attend law school and is interested in getting involved in politics. This past spring he participated in the university’s UC DC program during which he spent three months in Washington DC as an intern.
“I visited the ANC-WR office last summer because I was interested in getting involved and the in discussing the ANC-WR IEP I felt it was the right fit for me,” notes Khayalian. “I think that my internship in Washington DC definitely helped prepare me for this program.”
Eager to help reach out to the people in the communities in which he lives, Khayalian has served on the board of the Pasadena Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) for the last two years. He plans to remain involved in the Armenian American community after completing the internship program by continuing the work he has started this summer with the ANC in Orange County.
The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community.
