News and Events

Public Relations in Armenia- seminar is organized in cooperation with F.Naumann Fund

Date: 26.07.06

A training seminar “Public Relations in Armenia” was organized on July 12-13 at Ani Plaza Hotel by the Armenian PR Association in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The seminar was devoted to discussion of cooperation between the Armenian NGOs, media and the state bodies.
The seminar was conducted by the President of Armenian PR Association Ara Saghatekyan and Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, advisor to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Dr. Rolf Steltemeier presented basic methods and models, contributing to increase of information presence in the NGO sector. The training seminar was attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations, state enterprises and private sector, active in the area of public relations.

NGO capacity building course for OXFAM Partnership Network Organizations

Date: 26.06.06

On 22-23 of June, 2006 the specialists of Armenian Public Relations Association organized training for representatives of OXFAM Partnership Network NGOs, established by OXFAM and operating in marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan.

The overall purpose of the training course was to develop participants’ practical skills in planning and organizations of PR-campaigns for nonprofit organization, to advance their goals and gain a more efficient support from local community in implementation of their projects.

The course efficiently merged theoretical education with development practical skill in the field of PR (press –release writing, press-package preparation, undertaking special event for press, development of community and PR-campaigns). The Course contained practical cases to illustrate both the strong and weak points in the Armenian reality.

UNHCR and APRA marked the World Refugee Day

Date: 20.06.06

Armenian PR Association and UNHCR office in Armenia marked the World Refugee Day on June 20 by organizing a press conference, devoted to the issues of refugee families in Armenia. The objective of the event was to draw the public attention to the problems of refugees, residing in Armenia, and to present the results of fundraising campaign, organized by APRA and UNHCR in the period of June 1 to June 20 to fund the summer camp for the most vulnerable refugee children.

Due to the successful fundraising campaign, initiated by APRA and UNHCR, a group of children from refugee families received opportunity to spend two weeks in a summer camp in one of the sites in Lori marz of Armenia. On the other hand, due to the campaign, the problems of refugee families were once again brought into the spotlight of public attention.

“The UNHCR office in Armenia keeps the problems of the refugees in the focus of attention, attempting to provide solutions to their problems”, -said Peter Nikolaus, UNHCR Resident Representative in Armenia. The UNCHR tries to bring its assistance to the refugees in any respect and on everyday basis. “It is my hope that the day, when all the problems of the refugees will be resolved, is not far,” – he said.

The Executive Director of APRA Anush Begloian mentioned that the children of refugee families require special attention, and thanked the journalists for covering of this issue.

Armenian media representatives adopt child-issues reporting ethics code

Date: 15.05.06

On May 13, Armenian Public Relations Association in Cooperation with UNICEF organized Planning Workshop for a group of Armenian Media representatives in the framework of its Armenian Media Technical Support - 2006 program.
The Program is being implemented by APRA in partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Branch Office in Armenia and United Nations Children Fund.
The program has been initiated as a follow up on last year's media monitoring and subsequent discussions with journalists and heads of media outlets, focused on increasing the quality and trustworthiness of social journalism in Armenia.
Among other things, the necessity to adapt the Ethics Code for journalists reporting on child related issues was emphasized.
Participants of the Workshop discussed the Draft Ethics Code and expressed commitment to observe it in every day work.
In the second part of the Workshop, representatives of UNICEF presented issues existing in the field of child protection, health and education. Discussion focused on the methods which could be employed by the Armenian media to become instrumental in inviting public attention to social problems in Armenian regions. A series of press tours is planned with the participation of major Armenian media outlets representatives.

APRA becomes a member of the OSCE coalition of anti-corruption NGOs

Date: 04.04.06

Armenian Public Relations Association becomes the 13th member of Anticorruption Coalition of NGOs supported by OSCE Office In Armenia.

The Coalition was established in 2004. It has run a number of successful projects since then, aimed at assessment of corruption risks at customs services and several business regulatory bodies, publicizing cases of successful lawsuits of small businesses against the state, and stressing the importance of public authorities' transparency.

Within a framework of the OSCE anti-corruption initiative and in order to support ongoing field activities of NGO Anti-corruption Coalition, the Armenian PR Association will be assisting Coalition by implementing an anticorruption PR campaign using a combination of media and advertising tools to promote awareness against corruption at a particular, strategic point in time. The campaign is thought to appeal to a broad cross-section of the population and shall be built around organizing TV discussion programs, publishing educational brochures in Armenian language, placing articles in newspapers, posting television social advertisement spots encouraging citizens to take a stand against corruption under the general slogan: “Vote Corruption Away.”

Important component of the campaign with be encouraging citizens to protect their rights and find solutions through seeking advice and consultation in public reception centers established by OSCE NGO partners and through courts as well as by using other legitimate ways of fighting corruption.

APRA plans to work on promoting the Coalition work itself in wide layers of population thus strengthening the impact of the current projects.

Using PR and media communication tools in planning civil initiatives

Date: 18.03.06

On March 17 and 22, 2006, APRA representatives traveled to Gumry and Tsakhkadzor to conduct two workshops for the staff and volunteers of the Civic Centers, representing four rural communities of Shirak Marz and five towns of Syounik and Vayots Dzor Marzes.

The workshops were held by the request of Oxfam International British organization’s Armenia branch, in the framework of the project on strengthening civil society and participatory processes in the remote towns and villages of Armenia.
In the newly established Civic Centers the training had an introductory nature, and in the more experienced Centers it was supplemented with practical games and interactive discussions.
Effective media and PR activities are crucial in the functioning of the Civic Centers. The workshop was a step forward in capacity building for the members of Civic Centers in this field. In the follow-up of the workshop it is provisioned to provide continued methodic support to the media and PR related activities of the Civic Centers, in cooperation with Oxfam (GB) Armenia branch.

Seminar for PR specialists of RA Govt. Agencies

Date: 06.03.06

Today a seminar - training " PR in Govt. Sector" was held by Armenian PR Assocation in cooperation with Freidrich Naumann Foundation. Training was attended by more than twenty representatives of PR departments of various govt. agencies of RA. Seminar was facilitated by Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, expert on political communication, former speaker of the Liberal Group in the German Parliament and the President of Association, Ara Saghatelyan.
Participants of the seminar raised many questions about peculiarities of European PR practices and exchanged opinions of how to enrich Armenian public relations practices by adapting advanced PR techniques and methods to the Armenian reality. During the post seminar discussions principal agreement was reached to continue cooperation between FNF and ARPA and organize such trainings and seminars on a continuous basis, involving audiences from the Georgia and other counties in the region.

APRA and UNICEF award authors of best articles and reportages on children issues

Date: 25.11.05

Yerevan, November 25, 2005 - The Armenian PR Association and UNICEF awarded winners of media monitoring held in the framework of “Children in Armenian News” project.
“When we started the Project, our objective was to conduct comprehensive monitoring of Armenian media news coverage of overall spectrum of child-related issues, to thoroughly understand the situation with child-related news coverage in Armenia”, said Mrs. Anush Begloian, Executive Director of Armenian PR Association.
As UNICEF Representative in Armenia Mr. Sheldon Yett noted, “Journalists are champions of human rights. They act as eyes and ears of the public, drawing attention to abuses of power and human rights, including child rights. However, it is of high importance that journalists be conscious of responsible coverage of child issues, be mindful of ethical norms, the violation of which can have negative impact on children’s lives.”
The panel of experts selected 11 nominations for journalists and media outlets. The diplomas and prizes went to:

Ruzan Arshakyan, Aravot daily - for rapid response to problems

Armenian Public TV – for most frequent coverage of child related issues on TV

Hratsin Safaryan, H2 – for embracing different aspects while covering the topic

Armenia TV – for respecting children’s opinions and views

Aravot daily and 168 Hours weekly – for most frequent coverage of child related issues in print media

Armine Avetyan, 168 Hours weekly – for journalistic investigations

Armine Ohanyan, Haykakan Zhamanak - for dedication to the topic

Hasmik Budaghyan, Aravot daily – for extensive coverage of education problems

Valeriya Zakharyan, Novoye Vremya – for coverage of the topic in Russian-language media

Hayrenik TV – special prize

The ceremony was accompanied by a concert with participation of child ensembles and renowned Armenian performers.
Armenian Public Relations Association started implementation of “Children in Armenian News” project, sponsored by UNICEF, in May of 2005 and went up to November, 2005.
The experts of the implementing organization have monitored newspapers and TV channels, and have reviewed a number of articles, news pieces and TV reportages, related to children. The assessment was conducted by the panel of experts in the field of Media, Human rights (particularly Child Rights), Public Information Professionals, UNICEF officers, Child Advocacy Specialist NGO representatives.

Seminar for local empoyees of international organizations

Date: 26.08.05

In the framework of its educational and training activities aimed at institutionalization of professional PR education, the Armenian Public Relations Association in cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation conducted a Public Relations Training/ Seminar for development of capacity and professional skills of the Public Relations and Communications Officers employed by international and multilateral organizations, development and humanitarian projects.
Seminar discussed those PUBLIC RELATIONS PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES that are specific for a Communications and Information Professionals, working across the countries and representing their entity in Armenia. Topics shall include work with target audiences, Mass –Media, networking, inter-organization communication strategy development and implementation, corporate image making.

The resource person was Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, expert on political communication, former speaker of the Liberal Group in the German Parliament , Head of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany , Dr. Klaus Kinkel in the German Bundestag.

New books at our library

Date: 18.07.05

The APRA library received several books which were kindly provided by the "Europe" Publishing House.

Page 3 / 5


About Us Mission History Main Documents Structure Executive Board Staff Membership How to become a member Our members Press Center News and Events Press about us Projects 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 PR Education Articles Library PR Academy About Academy Schedule Our Partners Links Contact Us PR Academy Professional Development	News and Events Public Relations in Armenia- seminar is organized in cooperation with F.Naumann Fund Date: 26.07.06 A training seminar “Public Relations in Armenia” was organized on July 12-13 at Ani Plaza Hotel by the Armenian PR Association in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The seminar was devoted to discussion of cooperation between the Armenian NGOs, media and the state bodies. The seminar was conducted by the President of Armenian PR Association Ara Saghatekyan and Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, advisor to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Dr. Rolf Steltemeier presented basic methods and models, contributing to increase of information presence in the NGO sector. The training seminar was attended by representatives of non-governmental organizations, state enterprises and private sector, active in the area of public relations. NGO capacity building course for OXFAM Partnership Network Organizations Date: 26.06.06 On 22-23 of June, 2006 the specialists of Armenian Public Relations Association organized training for representatives of OXFAM Partnership Network NGOs, established by OXFAM and operating in marzes of Armenia and in Yerevan. The overall purpose of the training course was to develop participants’ practical skills in planning and organizations of PR-campaigns for nonprofit organization, to advance their goals and gain a more efficient support from local community in implementation of their projects. The course efficiently merged theoretical education with development practical skill in the field of PR (press –release writing, press-package preparation, undertaking special event for press, development of community and PR-campaigns). The Course contained practical cases to illustrate both the strong and weak points in the Armenian reality. UNHCR and APRA marked the World Refugee Day Date: 20.06.06 Armenian PR Association and UNHCR office in Armenia marked the World Refugee Day on June 20 by organizing a press conference, devoted to the issues of refugee families in Armenia. The objective of the event was to draw the public attention to the problems of refugees, residing in Armenia, and to present the results of fundraising campaign, organized by APRA and UNHCR in the period of June 1 to June 20 to fund the summer camp for the most vulnerable refugee children. Due to the successful fundraising campaign, initiated by APRA and UNHCR, a group of children from refugee families received opportunity to spend two weeks in a summer camp in one of the sites in Lori marz of Armenia. On the other hand, due to the campaign, the problems of refugee families were once again brought into the spotlight of public attention. “The UNHCR office in Armenia keeps the problems of the refugees in the focus of attention, attempting to provide solutions to their problems”, -said Peter Nikolaus, UNHCR Resident Representative in Armenia. The UNCHR tries to bring its assistance to the refugees in any respect and on everyday basis. “It is my hope that the day, when all the problems of the refugees will be resolved, is not far,” – he said. The Executive Director of APRA Anush Begloian mentioned that the children of refugee families require special attention, and thanked the journalists for covering of this issue. Armenian media representatives adopt child-issues reporting ethics code Date: 15.05.06 On May 13, Armenian Public Relations Association in Cooperation with UNICEF organized Planning Workshop for a group of Armenian Media representatives in the framework of its Armenian Media Technical Support - 2006 program. The Program is being implemented by APRA in partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Branch Office in Armenia and United Nations Children Fund. The program has been initiated as a follow up on last year's media monitoring and subsequent discussions with journalists and heads of media outlets, focused on increasing the quality and trustworthiness of social journalism in Armenia. Among other things, the necessity to adapt the Ethics Code for journalists reporting on child related issues was emphasized. Participants of the Workshop discussed the Draft Ethics Code and expressed commitment to observe it in every day work. In the second part of the Workshop, representatives of UNICEF presented issues existing in the field of child protection, health and education. Discussion focused on the methods which could be employed by the Armenian media to become instrumental in inviting public attention to social problems in Armenian regions. A series of press tours is planned with the participation of major Armenian media outlets representatives. APRA becomes a member of the OSCE coalition of anti-corruption NGOs Date: 04.04.06 Armenian Public Relations Association becomes the 13th member of Anticorruption Coalition of NGOs supported by OSCE Office In Armenia. The Coalition was established in 2004. It has run a number of successful projects since then, aimed at assessment of corruption risks at customs services and several business regulatory bodies, publicizing cases of successful lawsuits of small businesses against the state, and stressing the importance of public authorities' transparency. Within a framework of the OSCE anti-corruption initiative and in order to support ongoing field activities of NGO Anti-corruption Coalition, the Armenian PR Association will be assisting Coalition by implementing an anticorruption PR campaign using a combination of media and advertising tools to promote awareness against corruption at a particular, strategic point in time. The campaign is thought to appeal to a broad cross-section of the population and shall be built around organizing TV discussion programs, publishing educational brochures in Armenian language, placing articles in newspapers, posting television social advertisement spots encouraging citizens to take a stand against corruption under the general slogan: “Vote Corruption Away.” Important component of the campaign with be encouraging citizens to protect their rights and find solutions through seeking advice and consultation in public reception centers established by OSCE NGO partners and through courts as well as by using other legitimate ways of fighting corruption. APRA plans to work on promoting the Coalition work itself in wide layers of population thus strengthening the impact of the current projects. Using PR and media communication tools in planning civil initiatives Date: 18.03.06 On March 17 and 22, 2006, APRA representatives traveled to Gumry and Tsakhkadzor to conduct two workshops for the staff and volunteers of the Civic Centers, representing four rural communities of Shirak Marz and five towns of Syounik and Vayots Dzor Marzes. The workshops were held by the request of Oxfam International British organization’s Armenia branch, in the framework of the project on strengthening civil society and participatory processes in the remote towns and villages of Armenia. In the newly established Civic Centers the training had an introductory nature, and in the more experienced Centers it was supplemented with practical games and interactive discussions. Effective media and PR activities are crucial in the functioning of the Civic Centers. The workshop was a step forward in capacity building for the members of Civic Centers in this field. In the follow-up of the workshop it is provisioned to provide continued methodic support to the media and PR related activities of the Civic Centers, in cooperation with Oxfam (GB) Armenia branch. Seminar for PR specialists of RA Govt. Agencies Date: 06.03.06 Today a seminar - training " PR in Govt. Sector" was held by Armenian PR Assocation in cooperation with Freidrich Naumann Foundation. Training was attended by more than twenty representatives of PR departments of various govt. agencies of RA. Seminar was facilitated by Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, expert on political communication, former speaker of the Liberal Group in the German Parliament and the President of Association, Ara Saghatelyan. Participants of the seminar raised many questions about peculiarities of European PR practices and exchanged opinions of how to enrich Armenian public relations practices by adapting advanced PR techniques and methods to the Armenian reality. During the post seminar discussions principal agreement was reached to continue cooperation between FNF and ARPA and organize such trainings and seminars on a continuous basis, involving audiences from the Georgia and other counties in the region. APRA and UNICEF award authors of best articles and reportages on children issues Date: 25.11.05 Yerevan, November 25, 2005 - The Armenian PR Association and UNICEF awarded winners of media monitoring held in the framework of “Children in Armenian News” project. “When we started the Project, our objective was to conduct comprehensive monitoring of Armenian media news coverage of overall spectrum of child-related issues, to thoroughly understand the situation with child-related news coverage in Armenia”, said Mrs. Anush Begloian, Executive Director of Armenian PR Association. As UNICEF Representative in Armenia Mr. Sheldon Yett noted, “Journalists are champions of human rights. They act as eyes and ears of the public, drawing attention to abuses of power and human rights, including child rights. However, it is of high importance that journalists be conscious of responsible coverage of child issues, be mindful of ethical norms, the violation of which can have negative impact on children’s lives.” The panel of experts selected 11 nominations for journalists and media outlets. The diplomas and prizes went to: Ruzan Arshakyan, Aravot daily - for rapid response to problems Armenian Public TV – for most frequent coverage of child related issues on TV Hratsin Safaryan, H2 – for embracing different aspects while covering the topic Armenia TV – for respecting children’s opinions and views Aravot daily and 168 Hours weekly – for most frequent coverage of child related issues in print media Armine Avetyan, 168 Hours weekly – for journalistic investigations Armine Ohanyan, Haykakan Zhamanak - for dedication to the topic Hasmik Budaghyan, Aravot daily – for extensive coverage of education problems Valeriya Zakharyan, Novoye Vremya – for coverage of the topic in Russian-language media Hayrenik TV – special prize The ceremony was accompanied by a concert with participation of child ensembles and renowned Armenian performers. Armenian Public Relations Association started implementation of “Children in Armenian News” project, sponsored by UNICEF, in May of 2005 and went up to November, 2005. The experts of the implementing organization have monitored newspapers and TV channels, and have reviewed a number of articles, news pieces and TV reportages, related to children. The assessment was conducted by the panel of experts in the field of Media, Human rights (particularly Child Rights), Public Information Professionals, UNICEF officers, Child Advocacy Specialist NGO representatives. Seminar for local empoyees of international organizations Date: 26.08.05 In the framework of its educational and training activities aimed at institutionalization of professional PR education, the Armenian Public Relations Association in cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation conducted a Public Relations Training/ Seminar for development of capacity and professional skills of the Public Relations and Communications Officers employed by international and multilateral organizations, development and humanitarian projects. Seminar discussed those PUBLIC RELATIONS PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES that are specific for a Communications and Information Professionals, working across the countries and representing their entity in Armenia. Topics shall include work with target audiences, Mass –Media, networking, inter-organization communication strategy development and implementation, corporate image making. The resource person was Dr. Rolf Steltemeier, expert on political communication, former speaker of the Liberal Group in the German Parliament , Head of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany , Dr. Klaus Kinkel in the German Bundestag. New books at our library Date: 18.07.05 The APRA library received several books which were kindly provided by the "Europe" Publishing House. Page 3 / 5
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