Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Friends Of Armenia begin?
Nearly every Peace Corps country has a "Friends Of" group (via National Peace Corps Association) that supports Volunteer efforts and fosters international dialogue. They are listed here.
The idea of forming a "Friends Of Armenia" group had been discussed among Peace Corps Volunteers for several years. In 2009 – with 15 years of Peace Corps Volunteers having served in Armenia – we were confident that we had the critical mass needed to launch a successful NPCA member-group.
2. Who are members of FOA?
Our primary audiences are: Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) who served in Armenia, current Peace Corps Volunteers serving in Armenia, and Armenians who are interested in actively supporting charitable iniatives and projects in Armenia. However, anyone who is interested in supporting innovative, charitable projects led by current Peace Corps Volunteers and FOA members is encouraged to join.
3. Why should I join FOA?
Friends Of Armenia serves as a means for Armenia RPCVs to maintain their relationship with the country where they dedicated two years of service. For current PCVs to connect with a broader network of interested technical specialists which might assist their service intiatives. For Armenians to collaborate with the organization on charitable projects and initiatives in Armenia. FOA's main goal is to fundraise among its membership and support innovative, charitable projects led by current Peace Corps Volunteers and FOA members, as well as provide ongoing support and technical expertise to initiatives and causes we've identified as priorities for FOA assistance.
4. Where do my dues go?
A small portion of income generated by memberships will support the organization's minor annual expenses. The remainder will be contributed to the FOA Grants Program. Our goal this year is to provide $5,000 in grants to innovative, PCV and FOA member-led projects in Armenia.
5. What is FOA's main purpose?
FOA's main purpose is to raise money from its membership and seek donations from organizations in order to support innovative, charitable projects led by current PCVs and FOA members, as well as provide ongoing support and technical expertise to initiatives and causes we've identified as priorities for FOA assistance.
6. Does FOA host events in US?
In 2009 and 2010 FOA members gathered to celebrate Vardavar in various cities across the U.S. In 2012, FOA plans on hosting a variety of targeted community-building activities involving RPCV, PCV and Armenian communities across both the US and Armenia.
7. How will I know about FOA activities?
We post updates and announcements on our website and Facebook page. We also distribute a quarterly e-newsletter to our members.
