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BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE ANCA 2012 TELETHON
BY PATTYL APOSHIAN-KASPARIAN
asbarez
Friday, May 25th, 2012
Volunteers hard at work during the ANCA 2012 Telethon (photo by
Nora Yacoubian)
There's an adage that says Washington is run by a bunch of
20-somethings. Washington is a city of timeless buildings and
seasoned politicians but we know for certain that there is an army
of young talent responsible for much of Washington's day-to-day
operations. Bright and fresh out of grad school, young staffers and
interns are there to learn. And Washington is eager to teach and
prepare its future leaders.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) shares a similar
blue print.
The ANCA is developing talent to drive and advance the Armenian Cause
in a global society and the ANCA Endowment Fund Telethon serves as
the perfect example.
Average Age: 22
Average Volunteer Hours a week: 30
I feel fortunate to be surrounded by exemplary leaders and role models
as well as passionate activists from all walks of life who embrace
activism in every aspect of their academic and professional lives. As
a past intern and current ANC-WR Board Member, I spend a great deal
of time telling the ANCA story and sharing what drives our excellence.
In short, I say, it is our people. It is our grassroots and the
ongoing dedication to advance the Armenian Cause- locally, nationally
and throughout the world.
For most, the Telethon's goal was two-fold- fundraising and messaging.
However, behind the scenes interaction painted a different picture-one
which serves more as a long term theme. The Telethon abetted to evolve
and engage supporters, activists, donors and volunteers as it is this
mix of extraordinary talent which serves as our natural advantage.
Given time constraints, no short cuts were taken when it came to
explaining the process. No matter how busy we were, time was taken to
answer questions and explain why certain decisions were made. Instead
of saying, "just do it,"-I heard, "Here's the background and the
current situation. Can you handle it?"
To some, this may seem like a trivial operation. However, to the
active, vibrant and eager volunteer, it reinforces their role in our
organization and allows them to take ownership of our mission.
During this phase of my life, I'm divided amongst several categories.
I'm not in the 20-something group anymore. But I'm not in the seasoned
leadership either. Hence, I have the opportunity to participate on
all levels. I can teach novice activists all the while advance and
develop my skills.
Additionally, our organization operates with no barriers to
collaboration. We encourage volunteers to learn from donors and
donors to partner with activists as new direction comes from the
interface of these different relationships. We all did work we had to
do-from strategizing to planning to meeting with corporate sponsors
to organizing launch parties to writing articles to presenting at
local schools and youth centers to buying cookies and erecting signs
and hanging balloons- we did it. And, we did it well.
Thousands of emails, hundreds of meetings and countless supporters
contributed to the success of this telethon. Emails from 5:50
a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Multi-hour meetings. Skype. Conference calls. From
Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. From Las Vegas to Chicago. Donations
and pledges came from all over the nation. It became contagious as
actions produced results. Every request came to fruition and every
interaction turned into a powerful learning experience.
Excellence has a multiplier effect. I am confident that the success
surrounding the 2012 Telethon will carry our dedication and passion
to higher levels.
To every supporter, we thank you for your confidence and trust.
To every volunteer, we applaud you for your commitment.
To our new supporters and friends, we welcome you with open arms.
To our leaders, we commend you for entrusting the 20-somethings and
30-somethings with a seat at the table and giving us the opportunity
to direct, learn and develop under the ANCA vision.
BY PATTYL APOSHIAN-KASPARIAN
asbarez
Friday, May 25th, 2012
Volunteers hard at work during the ANCA 2012 Telethon (photo by
Nora Yacoubian)
There's an adage that says Washington is run by a bunch of
20-somethings. Washington is a city of timeless buildings and
seasoned politicians but we know for certain that there is an army
of young talent responsible for much of Washington's day-to-day
operations. Bright and fresh out of grad school, young staffers and
interns are there to learn. And Washington is eager to teach and
prepare its future leaders.
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) shares a similar
blue print.
The ANCA is developing talent to drive and advance the Armenian Cause
in a global society and the ANCA Endowment Fund Telethon serves as
the perfect example.
Average Age: 22
Average Volunteer Hours a week: 30
I feel fortunate to be surrounded by exemplary leaders and role models
as well as passionate activists from all walks of life who embrace
activism in every aspect of their academic and professional lives. As
a past intern and current ANC-WR Board Member, I spend a great deal
of time telling the ANCA story and sharing what drives our excellence.
In short, I say, it is our people. It is our grassroots and the
ongoing dedication to advance the Armenian Cause- locally, nationally
and throughout the world.
For most, the Telethon's goal was two-fold- fundraising and messaging.
However, behind the scenes interaction painted a different picture-one
which serves more as a long term theme. The Telethon abetted to evolve
and engage supporters, activists, donors and volunteers as it is this
mix of extraordinary talent which serves as our natural advantage.
Given time constraints, no short cuts were taken when it came to
explaining the process. No matter how busy we were, time was taken to
answer questions and explain why certain decisions were made. Instead
of saying, "just do it,"-I heard, "Here's the background and the
current situation. Can you handle it?"
To some, this may seem like a trivial operation. However, to the
active, vibrant and eager volunteer, it reinforces their role in our
organization and allows them to take ownership of our mission.
During this phase of my life, I'm divided amongst several categories.
I'm not in the 20-something group anymore. But I'm not in the seasoned
leadership either. Hence, I have the opportunity to participate on
all levels. I can teach novice activists all the while advance and
develop my skills.
Additionally, our organization operates with no barriers to
collaboration. We encourage volunteers to learn from donors and
donors to partner with activists as new direction comes from the
interface of these different relationships. We all did work we had to
do-from strategizing to planning to meeting with corporate sponsors
to organizing launch parties to writing articles to presenting at
local schools and youth centers to buying cookies and erecting signs
and hanging balloons- we did it. And, we did it well.
Thousands of emails, hundreds of meetings and countless supporters
contributed to the success of this telethon. Emails from 5:50
a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Multi-hour meetings. Skype. Conference calls. From
Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. From Las Vegas to Chicago. Donations
and pledges came from all over the nation. It became contagious as
actions produced results. Every request came to fruition and every
interaction turned into a powerful learning experience.
Excellence has a multiplier effect. I am confident that the success
surrounding the 2012 Telethon will carry our dedication and passion
to higher levels.
To every supporter, we thank you for your confidence and trust.
To every volunteer, we applaud you for your commitment.
To our new supporters and friends, we welcome you with open arms.
To our leaders, we commend you for entrusting the 20-somethings and
30-somethings with a seat at the table and giving us the opportunity
to direct, learn and develop under the ANCA vision.