August 31, 2016
Suzanna Sargsyan (Left) and Nellie Yacoubian (Right) recruit students for the Synergy Program
Volunteerism is the backbone of a healthy community. It is a learned (behaviorial) trait that is best acquired at a young age, ideally in the mid-teens. High school students are the prime audience for volunteerism, particularly in extracurricular activities outside of high school. In efforts to increase volunteerism throughout the Western District, the program “Synergy” was developed by AGBU’s Hye Geen Young Circle (Young Circle). Synergy is focused on increasing the spirit of volunteerism in young Armenian Americans. The goal of Synergy is to formally connect high school students, who are interested in volunteering, with our AGBU chapters and committees.
Synergy launched a pilot program with AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School (MHS) last spring. During the Spring semester of 2016, 20 students from MHS enthusiastically volunteered for the Western District. These students helped organize different aspects of the 110th Anniversary event held on Sunday, May 1st at The Reef in Downtown Los Angeles. The students from MHS had the opportunity to help prior to the event as well as on the day of the event; these are the two kinds of volunteer opportunities the program provides.
Students who choose to be part of the Office Support group are trained on general administrative tasks and data management. This year, the students in the Office Support group will get trained in Microsoft Word and Excel. This group of students work with Suzanna Sargsyan, Director of Community Programs for the Western District. Suzanna says “It’s important to me that the students gain something from this experience. I want to help them learn and develop the necessary skills to make them more competitive when applying for scholarships, universities, and jobs.” The second group of helpers are part of the Event Support group. These students come and help on the day of big events.
Young Circle plans to expand this program soon to offer these opportunities to our students in the valley at AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School as well as high school students outside of AGBU.
We are proud to say we had a successful first semester and are looking forward to kicking off this year with our first opportunity, The 2nd Annual Armenian Fest in October. Any and all students who are interested in signing up to volunteer please contact Nellie Yacoubian, member of the Young Circle committee, at nellie@yeretsian.com.
“Being a part of AGBU’s Synergy volunteer program gave me the best opportunity to connect with and support my Armenian heritage. It personally also helped me with time management and event planning.” Katia K. (Class of 2019)
“Volunteering at AGBU was an amazing experience which allowed me to interact and meet new people. Volunteering here allowed me to take part and help my Armenian Community. I learned so many great life lessons, which I will take with me and use when I continue to volunteer, whether for AGBU, or any other place. It was a pleasure volunteering, and I look forward to continue to help and volunteer.” Christina C. (Class of 2019)
