Keeping Armenians Armenians

Mobilizing Armenian-American youth is another important feature of both lobby groups. ANCA and the ARF support the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), which was founded in 1933. The AYF names its primary goal as “hayabahbanoum” or “keeping Armenians Armenian” and “instilling in them pride in their heritage.”

The AYF achieves these ends through education on Armenian history and issues, annual Olympics
between different regions and chapters of the organization, language courses, political
activism, and cultural functions.

In addition, they have a summer camp, Camp Haiastan, which hosts hundreds of young Armenian-Americans each year. They also  offer college scholarships for its members. In addition, ANCA supports an internship
program within its major offices for college-aged Armenian-Americans.