The First Pan-Homenetmen Youth Conference
With the first step of its second century, Homenetmen has achieved a significant structural and organizational milestone by establishing a Youth Division alongside its scouting and sports divisions. This new division aims to bridge the gap between the scouting and sports troops and the senior members while creating new opportunities for members aged 18-30 who are committed to staying engaged with Armenian life.
The idea of having a Youth Division was born in 2011 during Homenetmen’s 10th General Assembly from a strategic plan adopted and first tackled in the Western United States region since 2016.
Organized by the Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee and hosted by the Homenetmen Greece Regional Committee, the first Youth Conference began on Friday, May 10, at 10:00 AM at the Novotel Hotel in Athens. The conference gathered 37 young Homenetmen members from 17 regions, alongside members of the Homenetmen Central (Executive) and Greece Regional Committees, as well as administrative representatives from 6 participating regions.
Opening Ceremony
The two-day conference opened with the Homenetmen anthem, "Haratch Nahadag," followed by a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of the Shushi liberation battles and the Artsakh War, including fallen soldiers of the Armenian army.
Participants introduced themselves, and Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee Chairperson, Yeghpayr Karnig Meguerditchian, introduced the 12 attending Central Committee members, including the editor of "Marzig" and the Central Committee’s secretary. Only Yeghpayr Antranig Baharian, from Paris, was absent during the conference.
Representatives from various regions included:
-
Homenetmen-HASK: Sevak Nazarian, Nelli Ghazaryan, Talar Mazlumian
-
Greece: Arpi Papazian, Ara Janikian
-
Cyprus: Panos Megerditchian
-
Lebanon: Njdeh Meguerditchian, Sevag Ketendjian
-
Baghdad: Ara Yonovekian (Administrative Representative: Vartan Sarkisian)
-
Cairo: Gareen Guerboyan
-
Western United States: Shahan Atmajian, Zepur Avanesian, Sosse Khatchadourian (Administrative Representative: Sevag Garabedian)
-
Eastern United States: Lori Pilibosian, Nanar Keurkunian, Mgrdich Arslanian
-
Canada: Tina Dardarian, Talar Baliozian, Tro Atolikian (Administrative Representative: Leony Sarmazian)
-
South America: Mikael Demirdjian, Silva Arslanian, Sofi Ketchian (Administrative Representative: Tamar Bloys Hodjajian)
-
Australia: Ani Boghossian, Narine Akillian, Kima Yegorian, Michael Kolokossian (Administrative Representative: Garbis Kolokossian)
-
London: Tamar Abramian, Anais Ohanian
-
Homenetmen-France: Nancy Kaloyian, Gassia Oskianian
-
Marseille: Kayane Derboghossian, Meline Derboghossian
-
Almelo: Hagop Kasparian, Hoveg Movsesian (Administrative Representative: Raffi Terzian)
-
Vienna: Hagop Sahagian, Marina Postajian
-
Bulgaria: Srbuhi Kaprielian.
The conference formed an executive board and a dedicated social media committee. The executive board was chaired by Sevak Nazarian (Armenia) and Njdeh Meguerditchian (Lebanon), with secretaries Hagop Sahagian (Vienna) and Shahan Atmajian (Western United States). The social media committee included Talar Mazlumian (Armenia), Silva Arslanian (South America), and Michael Kolokossian (Australia).
Welcome Speech by Homenetmen Greece
Marlène Takessian, a member of the Homenetmen Greece Regional Committee, welcomed the young participants from around the world. She emphasized that Homenetmen has always prioritized youth involvement in character development and the fostering of individuality within a supportive and constructive environment.
She expressed hope that the participants’ discussions and proposals during the conference would bring fresh energy and dynamism to Homenetmen’s new initiatives.
Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee’s Speech
Homenetmen Central Committee Chairperson Karnig Meguerditchian addressed the participants, emphasizing that following Homenetmen’s 100th anniversary celebrations, the organization is taking its first step into its second century with this historic youth conference. He noted that while Homenetmen has traditionally operated through its scouting and sports divisions, many members tend to drift away upon reaching adulthood (ages 18-30) due to a lack of engagement opportunities. Only a small number later return to support the organization in administrative roles. This conference was created to address that issue by providing young members with a platform to stay involved, contribute, and strengthen their connection to Homenetmen.
Additionally, Yeghpayr Karnig Meguerditchian emphasized the significance of the conference in preparing future generations. The conference serves as a training ground, allowing young members to engage with Pan-Homenetmen issues and discussions, equipping them to take on leadership roles in the future. Participating in various general assemblies, discussing major issues, and expressing personal opinions is undoubtedly a valuable experience.
Secondly, he highlighted that the conference provides young members with the opportunity to analyze contemporary challenges—particularly those affecting youth—from their own perspective and propose innovative solutions.
In his speech, Yeghpayr Karnig Meguerditchian posed an essential question: Where is the Armenian youth today in all of this? Are they within our organization, on the periphery, or are they the primary absentee in our communal life? And what are we doing—as Homenetmen, as members, as communities, schools, and churches, as a nation and a state—to engage Armenian youth in our collective life?
Then, Yeghpayr Meguerditchian added: "The methods we have relied on until now have begun to exhaust themselves. New realities demand new approaches. Our national and organizational structures have lost their former appeal. The capital of past activities is wearing thin. Organizational affiliation is no longer an inherited trait. Children do not necessarily follow in their parents' footsteps because the very concept of upbringing has changed. A pressing question arises: To what extent do our traditional values still resonate with the concerns, realities, and expectations of today’s youth? Young Armenians seek modernity and innovation in their surroundings. These realities must be addressed—discussed openly, planned carefully, decided upon, and acted on with greater urgency than before. We must adopt contemporary approaches to education and outreach, leverage modern information technology, create structurally relevant and practical spaces, and embrace a broader policy of engagement with our surroundings.” (See full speech on page 4.)
Reports from the First Day of the Conference
Following the official opening remarks and a brief break, the conference proceeded with the presentation and discussion.
The first presentation was delivered by Yeghpayr Vicken Avakian, editor of “Marzig.” He presented the topic "Homenetmen Membership and Promotion Among the Youth.”
At the beginning of his presentation, Yeghpayr Avakian posed a crucial question: “Where have young people traditionally come to Homenemten from? And if they are not coming today, where are they going, and what are they doing?” He then provided an overview of today’s youth, explaining why and how they should be engaged—and once engaged, how they should be retained within the organization.
Yeghpayr Avakian also outlined both traditional and innovative methods of promotion, emphasizing that Homenetmen has always been and remains an attractive organization. He highlighted its century-old heritage and experience, its pride in victory, its socially secure environment, its national atmosphere, its moral values, its Pan-Armenian structure, and its global recognition.
After lunch break, the second presentation was presented by Yeghpayr Viken Kortian, a member of Homenetmen’s Central Committee, on the topic of “The Role of Sports in Pursuing Homenetmen’s Goals."
He spoke about key trends in today’s sports world and then outlined Homenetmen’s core athletic principles—values that shape an athlete into an exemplary, disciplined, and role-model figure.
Yeghpayr Kortian also addressed the role and preparation of coaches, emphasizing that a coach’s personal example is crucial for their team members. Additionally, he discussed the work of sports coordinators and committees, stressing that the success of an athletic life depends on the effectiveness and cooperation of all these factors.
The third presentation, titled “Preserving Armenian Identity,” was delivered by Father Hrayr Nigolian, the Priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Athens.
At the beginning of his speech, Father Nigolian pointed out that the organizational tie we wear around our necks is not merely a regular necktie but a symbol that binds us to the Armenian nation and Armenia. This tie represents commitment and a willingness to serve.
He emphasized that the greatest challenge of preserving Armenian identity lies in our dual existence, being Armenian by origin but citizens of other countries, which places us under a dual set of obligations.
Father Nigolian asserted that Homenetmen plays a vital role in Armenian identity preservation, referring to it as the largest ministry of the Armenian Diaspora due to its extensive sports, scouting, social, and cultural activities. He urged everyone never to lose hope and to move forward with the mindset of a “persistent struggle,” overcoming every challenge that stands in the way.
The first day’s proceedings of the conference concluded at 6:30 PM.
SECOND DAY REPORTS
On Saturday, May 11, the conference continued its work with two presentations in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The first presentation, titled "Challenges of Preserving National Identity in Diaspora Communities and Proposed Solutions," was delivered by Murad Papazian, a member of the Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF).
At the beginning of his speech, Murad Papazian posed a fundamental question: “Why should we remain Armenian and preserve our communities? He answered by stating that maintaining our Armenian identity and sustaining our communities serves a political purpose as we face the challenges of repatriation, seeking reparations from Turkey, strengthening Artsakh and Armenia, and ultimately, the vision of uniting the entire Armenian nation within a complete and sovereign Armenia.
Murad Papazian stressed that in order to preserve our Armenian identity, we must have clear objectives, effective means, and a strategic approach. “We must personally prepare ourselves so that each of us becomes a devoted advocate of the Armenian Cause,” he said, further emphasizing that Homenetmen’s role is irreplaceable as it unites Armenian youth, the very source of our nation’s passion and strength.
"The Challenges Faced by Homenetmen's Scouting in the Second Century" was presented by Yeghpayr Bagrat Esayan, a member of the Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee.
Yeghpayr Esayan first introduced the core values of Homenetmen’s scouting and asked how those values could be preserved and developed in our globalized lives today. Today, he said, the focus should be more on developing personal skills rather than simply transmitting knowledge, as knowledge can now be easily accessed through the internet and various sources. Individuals today need skills to succeed and to contribute to their parents and community.
On this occasion, Yeghpayr Esayan asked, “What kind of person are we preparing today? What human values are we passing on, and how can we make the work of the organization and its unity more engaging?”
In the afternoon, the participants of the conference listened to and discussed two new presentations. "The Organization of the Future" was presented by ARF Bureau member Hovsep Der Kevorkian.
At the beginning of his speech, Der Kevorkian pointed out that to win any war, four factors are important: the moral state of the army, climate, geography, and organization (at both the leadership and soldier levels). He stated that we must adapt to unexpected situations. We must continuously change, progress, and develop.
For the success of the future organization, Der Kevorkian emphasized the importance of supporters, youth, women, and technology. He said we must grow while maintaining modernity, open up to the world, and trust others as well. A professional approach, creative spirit, and material resources are the keys to the success of the future organization, he concluded.
"Challenges Faced by Homenetmen in Armenia and the Diaspora, and Proposed Solutions" was the topic presented by Yeghpayr Kevork Hagopjian.
Yeghpayr Hagopjian confirmed that in order to solve difficulties, we need to diagnose the issues, analyze the causes, plan appropriate actions, and then assess whether our solutions are serving their purpose. He mentioned that a decline in quality and a reluctance to learn new things are noticeable everywhere today. We are immersed in our past and live with a prolonged sense of self-sufficiency, which gradually leads to stagnation and setbacks.
Yeghpayr Hagopjian experimented with some theories related to his topic through games with the participants and concluded by emphasizing that to overcome difficulties, one must take ownership of the organization, always stay active, and maintain a greater hope and vision for the future.
At the end of the presentations, Yeghpayr Vicken Tavitian, a member of the Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee, introduced the main sections of the organization’s strategic plan, the adoption process, and the stages of its implementation.
CLOSURE OF THE CONFERENCE
Before closing the conference, at 6:00 p.m., along with Yeghpayr Haygaz Deukmejian, Vice President of the Homenetmen Greece Regional Committee, the attendees visited His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Greece, and conveyed their paternal greetings.
His Eminence expressed his joy at being among the young representatives of the Homenetmen family. He stated that Homenetmen deserves the respect and admiration of all. Homenetmen is close to everyone, and wherever Homenetmen is, there is an Armenian identity. Homenetmen is the center of Armenian life.
Addressing the participants, His Eminence noted that the issues discussed at the youth conference—Armenian youth and the preservation of Armenian identity—are concerns for all, and therefore, the organization of such a conference should be valued. Its results will benefit Homenetmen and, through Homenetmen, the entire Armenian community.
After His Eminence's visit, the conference took a short break. Following the break, the participants selected three young individuals from their group to attend the Homenetmen 20th General Assembly (October 14-19, 2019, Armenia) with advisory voting rights and to convey the ideas, concerns, and proposals expressed by the youth at the conference. The elected individuals were Yeghpayrner Sevag Ketendjian, Njdeh Meguerditchian, and Shahan Atmajian.
Finally, at 7:30 p.m., the conference was officially closed with a speech by Yeghpayr Karnig Meguerditchian, Chairman of the Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee, and the singing of the anthem "Harach Nahadag."
DINNER RECEPTION AND CELEBRATION
In the evening, the participants of the conference attended the May Victory Dinner Reception, organized by the Homenetmen Greece Regional Committee and the ARF Youth Organization of Greece. Also in attendance were the participants of the ARF European Youth Union Conference, which had begun earlier that same day in Athens.