The ANCA Western Region announces its endorsements for the 2026 General Election: 66 candidates for Congress, California statewide office, the State Legislature, and local office across California, Nevada, and Texas. These candidates have shown a commitment to the priorities of the Armenian American community, and we are confident they will ensure our voice is heard at every level of government. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Make a plan to vote, and see the full slate at ancawr.org/elect26

From Brussels to the Western United States, the Armenian Cause speaks with one voice. ANCA-WR applauds @eafjd and the European Parliament for holding Azerbaijan accountable. Justice for Armenian political prisoners cannot wait.

Advocacy Days: Our advocates flew in from across the Western Region to Washington, D.C. to advocate for a stronger U.S.-Armenia relationship and to hold Azerbaijan accountable. Today, our advocates sat down with Trent Buatte, National Security Advisor to Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), for a productive meeting on ANCA's priorities. Senator Schiff has long been a steadfast friend and ally of the ANCA, and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him in pursuit of the Armenian Cause. Learn more: anca.org/advocacydays

Proud to announce a new award at the 2026 ANCA-WR Gala: the Gabriel Injejikian Academic Excellence Award. Gabriel Injejikian (1930–2019) was a true pioneer of Armenian education in America. Born in Kessab, he immigrated to the U.S., earned his degrees at Wayne State, CSULA, and UCLA, and in 1964 realized his lifelong dream by founding Ferrahian Armenian High School in Encino — the first Armenian day school in the United States. He served as its principal for 26 years, later advised the Armenian Sisters' Academy, co-founded Ararat Charter School, and helped build Camp Kessab, shaping generations of Armenian American students along the way. He was the visionary undaunted by the throngs of naysayers who insisted an Armenian day school would never take off in the U.S., home to the premier public school system in the world at the time. Driven by a vision like the biblical Noah, he built the ark that saved American Armenian heritage. This award honors his legacy by recognizing a student's academic excellence and commitment to the Armenian community he dedicated his life to building. Join us on October 11, 2026 at the Taglyan Complex to celebrate.

We're proud to announce that acclaimed Armenian filmmaker Jivan Avetisyan will receive ANCA Western Region's "Advocacy in Cinema" Award at our 2026 Gala! 🎬 “Through his films, Jivan Avetisyan has done what so few in our community have had the platform to do – carry the story of Artsakh to audiences who might otherwise never hear it,” stated Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “His work transcends cinema – it is testimony, preserved and shared so that the truth and memory of Artsakh can never be erased. His recognition as this year’s Advocacy in Cinema honoree reflects the vital role that art plays in our advocacy.” Join us as we honor his extraordinary work bringing Armenian stories to the world stage. 🇦🇲 📅 October 11, 2026 | Taglyan Complex 🎟️ Tickets on sale now at anca.wr/gala2026

Tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 ANCA Western Region Gala! 🥂 Join us Sunday, October 11th at the Taglyan Complex for an evening of community and celebration — reception at 4:30 PM, dinner & program at 6:30 PM. Don't wait — secure your seat today at anca.wr/gala2026!

Excellence deserves recognition — and so does your commitment to our community. Be part of something bigger at the 2026 ANCA-WR Gala on October 11 at the Taglyan Complex. Your sponsorship fuels our advocacy work, strengthens Armenian voices in California, and creates lasting change. From table sponsors to presidential partners, every level of support makes a real difference. Join us in building a stronger future for our people. For sponsorship and tickets, link in bio.

ANCA-WR delegation stood in the halls of California's State Capitol to witness a historic milestone: the reestablishment of the California State Assembly's Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. With over one million Armenian Americans calling California home, this committee gives our community an institutional voice in shaping policy that matters: trade and economic partnership, education and cultural exchange, and principled advocacy for Armenian rights and dignity.

"Marriott had no business profiting from the suffering of Artsakh's ethnically cleansed Armenians." — @ANCA_DC Executive Director @HamparianAram , after Marriott dropped its controversial Artsakh tour package following a global ANCA-led campaign. anca.org/press-release/marri…

ANCA-WR interns met with Assemblymember John Harabedian for an inspiring conversation on Armenian American advocacy, perseverance, and civic engagement. From sharing his journey into public office to encouraging the next generation of leaders, Assemblymember Harabedian highlighted the importance of getting involved and making our voices heard.

ANCA interns visited Asbarez and Interns spoke with Editor-in-Chief Ara Khatchatourian about the role of journalism in advocacy, the importance of Armenian representation in the media and the power of writing to educate the public and bring attention to issues affecting our community. The visit left them with a deeper understanding of impactful storytelling and a greater drive to continue using their voices for justice.

ANCA-WR Summer Interns had the opportunity to meet with Assemblymember @AsmNickSchultz, gaining a firsthand look at how meaningful change is achieved through public service and advocacy. Through the discussion, interns gained a deeper understanding of the legislative process while highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the next generation's role in advancing Armenian American advocacy.

ANCA-WR Summer 2026 interns brought their voice to @RepJudyChu’s office this week — advocating for the Armenian American community and learning firsthand what grassroots advocacy looks like in action. This is how the next generation of leaders is built.