Civic Activism as a Novel Component of Armenian Civil Society

“People would approach me and ask if I am expecting. And it was the moment when I
started to realise there is a problem in our society. We are very much concentrated on
our own self. The notion of “whatever is happening outside, I don’t care as long as my
family is fine” has a destructive nature for the wellbeing of the whole society. The “as
long as I am fine, I don’t care about the rest” approach has been the main reason for all
the wrongdoings in our country. The indifference towards whatever happens outside of
your family is the main reason for today’s lack of proper management on the country
level.” Female, 37
The personal stories of activists reveal the importance of understanding social, political,
and economic developments. The involvement comes with understanding, while understanding
comes with knowledge. Understanding the way things work results in participation because it is
impossible to be indifferent to continuous injustices. A considerable number of environmental
activists and journalists actively engaged with initiatives because they had closely examined the
issues and understood the consequences of, for example, environmental damages to their family
and friends who live in the target mining communities.
Throughout data collection period, an interesting line of discussion emerged with a
particular focus on the motivations of people joining various campaigns. Some participants
criticise those activists who became involved as a result of governmental policies having a direct
effect on their family budget, advancing the argument that activism should not prioritise personal
concerns but the public benefit. The criticism goes even further to complaints that such
behaviour leads to decisions of which campaigns to join and which to ignore (perceived as a
negative consequence). However, a healthy confession on behalf of those who admit their
involvement resulted strictly from having ties with the issue (it having a direct financial effect on
them) revolves around an important factor that their involvement (regardless the original reason
for it) contributed to their development as true citizens.
The involvement of Diaspora members generally began in the same way. Upon their
arrival in Armenia, they did not have, nor did they seek, any political affiliation. They did not
support any political party, in power or otherwise. However, over the course of their life in
Armenia, upon noticing numerous injustices and the unfair methods by which the system
operates, they decided to engage. Many Diaspora Armenians became involved in this way. For
many of them, becoming a part of the resistance was inevitable and not joining was simply out of
the question.
Activism affects the lives of people and develops qualities in them. These qualities range
from confidence and tolerance to acquiring of friends and popularity, but there are also some
negative effects, such as having less time to spend with family.
Being active increases confidence and certainty in all aspects of life. Activism also
teaches some tolerance, in terms of continued resistance directed at an eventual change. The
availability of new friends was also mentioned as a change in involved people’s lives. However,
activism does not only entail acquiring friends but also losing friends. As a result of engagement
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