A Letter from Our Expert in Armenia - Liana Sargsyan

Dear Travelers,  

Hello from Armenia. 

I’m Liana Sargsyan, and I’m writing to you from the land where apricot trees bloom defiantly in rocky soil, and where democracy—like those trees—keeps finding ways to grow, even when the odds aren’t in its favor. 

When I was invited to be part of the Democracy Journey to Armenia, I said yes without hesitation. Not because I had all the answers, but because I’ve lived through the questions. I’ve seen the rise of youth-led movements, felt the pulse of the Velvet Revolution, and witnessed the quiet courage of everyday citizens who show up—not just to protest, but to build, to listen, to try again. 

Democracy, to me, means equity and equality. It means believing that every voice matters, even when it trembles. And in Armenia, it means daring to dream of something better after decades of silence. We are still learning, still stumbling, but we are moving. And that movement is beautiful. 

This journey has already brought me face to face with people I might never have met otherwise—activists, skeptics, artists, winemakers, and citizens who care deeply, even when they disagree. We’ve shared stories over glasses of Areni wine (yes, the world should know about our wine!), and we’ve explored how art becomes a form of civic expression—especially in Gyumri, a city that wears its resilience like a badge of honor. 

What strikes me most is the quiet power of those who don’t call themselves heroes. The teacher who encourages critical thinking. The young coder who volunteers on weekends. The grandmother who still votes, even when she’s lost faith. These are the roots of our democracy. 

I hope that everyone who joins us on this journey leaves with a deeper understanding—not just of Armenia’s past, but of its potential. We are not perfect. But we are trying. And in a region where peace feels fragile, that effort matters. 

To the youth of Armenia: you are not the future—you are the present. And to our guests: thank you for choosing to walk beside us. I hope you leave with full hearts, full notebooks, and maybe even a suitcase full of dried fruit and homemade bread. I look forward to greeting you in Armenia. 

With hope and humor, 
Liana Sargsyan

“Ամեն ծառ իր արմատով է կանգուն”

“Every tree stands by its own roots.” 
— Armenian proverb