Longtime community volunteer, activist and philanthropist Berdj Karapetian will be recognized for his years of hard work and community service by The Democratic Party of The San Fernando Valley (DPSFV) “2011 Truman Awards Luncheon” on Saturday, November 12, Asbarez reported.

Berdj Karapetian had worked for many years on various campaigns to elect Democrats, register voters, educate the electorate about the values of the Democratic Party, and empower Armenian Americans who are seeking to have a voice in local, state and national politics. In 2010 alone, Karapetian devoted countless hours of volunteer time on the campaigns of several candidates including Nayiri Nahabedian for State Assembly, Mike Gatto for State Assembly, Barbara Boxer for U.S. Senate, and Jerry Brown for Governor. Karapetian was co-chair of Armenian-Americans for Boxer and California-Armenians for Jerry Brown. His work raised thousands of dollars for specific candidates and for causes that helped educate voters.

Karapetian spearheaded the extensive voter registration and education campaign for the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region in 2010. The campaign helped register new voters as Democrats and increase participation in the 2010 General Elections which saw one of the highest Armenian-American voter turnouts in history.

In 2011, Karapetian devoted his energy and time to fostering greater cooperation between different ethnic communities within the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas. He also has contributed his time to the development of Armenian American Democratic clubs and organizations such as the Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD) and the California Armenian American Democrats.

“Berdj’s energy is proof that you can be a busy person who still makes time for activism and political involvement. His passion and effort for community organizing and outreach has been unparalleled,” said Armond Aghakhanian, SCAD Chair. “Not only as a role model for Armenian-Americans but for all Democrats, Mr. Karapetian deserves this well earned recognition.”