In 1906, two inspired individuals driven by a shared passion for their Armenian culture, a desire to advance socio-economic development in their homeland, and an overwhelming need to address humanitarian issues created the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
This year, we celebrate 110 years of extraordinary success
at AGBU, which began with a simple vision. A single measure to do good and promote progress for the Armenian people has been transformed into a global movement spanning 31 countries and over 70 districts and chapters.
And, notably, we celebrate the tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers and generous donors who have made our successes possible.
AGBU has stayed true to our longstanding mission of service to the Armenian community, evolving when necessary to confront challenges as they arose. We have proudly responded to the needs of our people over generations whether by providing humanitarian aid, investing in education and youth programs or improving the socio-economic standing of our people, all while encouraging active and thriving cultural programs.
From the outset, AGBU garnered support from the far corners of the world, including Addis Ababa, Calcutta and London. And from the outset, AGBU was where it needed to be. AGBU rushed to help the earthquake victims in Bitlis (Ottoman Empire) in 1907, just as it did 80 years later, raising more than $10 million and overseeing disaster relief to victims in Spitak and the surrounding region in 1988.
During World War I, the AGBU leadership and chapters devised an ingenious approach to ensure delivery of relief to Armenians displaced in the Near East by directing funds from Cairo to the United States, collaborating with humanitarian organizations that could ensure proper use and positive impact. Today, with the help of donors from around the globe, AGBU is undertaking another massive humanitarian relief effort to help Syrian Armenians in need. Once again, we find ourselves offering creative solutions and giving hope by helping them repatriate to Armenia and elsewhere, facilitating community building and economic opportunities. Among our initiatives is the Nagorno-Karabakh agricultural and tractor project for Syrian Armenians, and investing in education by way of direct scholarships for students working towards a brighter future.
AGBU President's Message