SANTA ANA, CA – The California Armenian-American Democrats (CAAD), spearheaded by Chairman Caro Avanessian and Vice Chair Juliet Minassian, gained provisional acceptance by the California Democratic Party Executive Board on July 31 after almost two years of intense advocacy, labor and unforeseen challenges. CAAD is the first ever Armenian-American Democratic Charter in California under the umbrella of the California Democratic Party.
CAAD’s mission is to band together all Armenian-American Democrats throughout the Golden State to address the needs and concerns of Armenian-American communities statewide. CAAD will serve as the voice of Armenian-American Democrats, who for years served the Democratic party without formal representation as a unified group. Similar to CAAD are groups such as the Irish-American and Arab-American Caucuses.
The Charter, which is independent of any other Armenian group or faction, is open to all registered Democrats who share an interest in the advancement of Armenian-American issues. CAAD will have the authority to endorse candidates in elections, creating a heightened awareness among those seeking endorsements from CAAD, of issues affecting California Armenians.
Avanessian and Minassian, who are both long-time activists and leaders in the Armenian-American community and Democratic Party issued the following statement:
“After a year and a half of hard work, provisional Armenian American Democrats was ratified as the first chartered organization by the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party. This was an organization … for all Armenians to have a stronger political voice throughout the State of California. I’d like to thank the people who have helped us throughout this process. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us to make this organization work for all Democrats. This is a historical step forward for the Armenian American community and the Democratic Party in the Golden State.”
For more information about CAAD, visit the CAAD Facebook page or send an email to [email protected]
