Armenian Relief Society
Encyclopedia
The Armenian Relief Society, A.R.S or H.O.M (Armenian
: ), is an independent, non-governmental and non-sectarian organization and NGO, serving the social and educational needs of Armenian communities everywhere, seeking to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation, and, whenever and wherever the need arises, to bring humanitarian help to all communities in distress -- Armenian and non-Armenian alike.
, encouraged Armenian women to take a more active role in the service of the Armenian people. Thus, in a period of a few months, Maloumian organized the existing women's groups as a cohesive nationwide society. The number of chapters grew rapidly, and by the date of its first Convention, held in May 1915, there were 33 registered chapters across the United States and Canada
. It currently has affiliate entities in 26 different countries.
Armenian language
The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by the Armenian people. It is the official language of the Republic of Armenia as well as in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The language is also widely spoken by Armenian communities in the Armenian diaspora...
: ), is an independent, non-governmental and non-sectarian organization and NGO, serving the social and educational needs of Armenian communities everywhere, seeking to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation, and, whenever and wherever the need arises, to bring humanitarian help to all communities in distress -- Armenian and non-Armenian alike.
Founding
In September 1910, renowned intellectual Edward Khachadour Maloumian, upon arriving in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, encouraged Armenian women to take a more active role in the service of the Armenian people. Thus, in a period of a few months, Maloumian organized the existing women's groups as a cohesive nationwide society. The number of chapters grew rapidly, and by the date of its first Convention, held in May 1915, there were 33 registered chapters across the United States and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It currently has affiliate entities in 26 different countries.
Purpose and Activity
- To serve the humanitarian needs of all communities that may require emergency aid, regardless of ethnic origin or religious affiliation;
- To preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian people, worldwide;
- To promote the educational, social, health and welfare of communities;
- To enhance the education of the Society's members and encourage their involvement in public service;
- To encourage participation in local organizations engaged in community activities and social services compatible with the principles of the Society;
- To act as a focal point at the informational level; and
- To cooperate with organizations with similar aims.