About Us

Our Mission & Vision

The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) was founded in New York in 1910 and was known at the time as the Armenian Red Cross. Today, with entities in 26 countries and a membership of over 15,000, it is an independent, nonsectarian, philanthropic society serving the humanitarian, social and educational needs of Armenian and non-Armenians alike.

As an international humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), the Armenian Relief Society, Inc. is a member of the United Nations, internationally advocating human rights, social justice and civil society.

The ARS maintains high ethical standards, fostering good fellowship. It initiates programs, such as kindergartens and summer camps, schools and scholarships. It promotes its members’ self educational and developmental goals, encouraging involvement in public service and participation in the activities of organizations whose principles are compatible with those of ARS.

After a century of service, the ARS’s global initiatives are stronger than ever, promoting education, health, humanitarian aid and empowering women.

Let’s achieve our mission together!
“With the people, For the people”

COMMITTEES

The ARS Central Executive Board has several committees consisting of ARS members from various regions. Each committee has a CEB representative who acts as the liaison between the committee and the Board.

The ARS CEB committees are as follows:

By-Laws Committee

Stepanakert “Soseh” kindergarten committee

Fundraising Committee

U.N. Committee

ARS Cruise Committee

ARS Scholarship Fund Committee

Strategic Planning Committee

Public
Relations Committee

CENTRAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Armenian Relief Society, Inc. Central Executive Board (ARS, Inc. CEB) is the permanent organ of liaison and coordination among the ARS Regions and at-large Chapters; it also assists them in their organizational activities.

The ARS, Inc. CEB is elected for a four year term during the Society’s International Convention. In keeping with its international status and scope of activities, the Armenian Relief Society, Inc. tries, within its present structural periphery, to have as wide a geographical representation on its Central Executive Board as possible.

The International Convention, which convenes once every four years, is the general assembly of all ARS entities that participate by sending duly elected delegates.

The International Convention is the highest deliberative, legislative and policy-making body of the Armenian Relief Society; as such, it:

– Receives, examines and evaluates the reports of the Central Executive Board,
– Determines guidelines and formulates programs of international nature,
– Prepares and approves the quadrennial budget, and
– Elects the new Central Executive Board

Central Executive Board

Lisa Gillibert

Advisor France

Nora Sevagian

Advisor Australia

Taline Mkrtschjan

Advisor Eastern USA

Hamesd Sassounian Beugekian

Advisor Armenia

Nelly Vekilian

Advisor Lebanon

Arousyak Melkonian

Advisor Western USA

Arminée Karabetian

Bookkeeper Canada

Silva Takvorian

Treasurer Eastern USA

Maral Matossian

Secretary Western USA

Mayda Melkonian

Vice-Chairperson Eastern USA

Executive Staff

Nelly Nerkizian-Kevorkian

Administrative Secretary

Tatul Sonentz-Papazian

Publications Coordinator

Ojik Gregorian

Financial Manager

Lala Demirdjian-Attarian

Executive Director