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A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND ENDORSING THE LAS VEGAS YOUTH COMMISSION AS A

MODEL YOUTH PARTICIPATION PROJECT IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission was formed in

1998 by the Las Vegas city council to encourage young people

to take a more active and constructive role in city

government; and

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission has acted as a

powerful voice for young people in Las Vegas and San Miguel

county; and

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission functions as a

chartered advisory group to the mayor, city council, city

government employees and other commissions and committees on

all matters affecting young people; and

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission deals with

issues as diverse as building a healthier community,

combating violence, conducting public forums and developing

substance abuse programming, as well as historic

preservation, city regulation of scooters, roller skates and

skateboards, underage drinking and litter; and

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission has been

recognized nationally for its performance by the communities

that care program as one of the nation's outstanding youth

projects and, most recently, by the New Mexico civic

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engagement project as one of New Mexico's most outstanding

youth civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, the Las Vegas youth commission has a proven

track record of developing young leaders, inspiring youth to

become more involved in their community and improving the

quality of community life in Las Vegas and the surrounding

area;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the Las Vegas youth commission and

its sponsor, the Las Vegas city council, be recognized and

endorsed for their accomplishments and for the example that

the commission sets as a positive youth development

organization; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Las Vegas youth

commission be encouraged to form a partnership with New

Mexico highlands university and the New Mexico civic

engagement project to host a statewide summit on the role of

youth in local government and the establishment of a model

youth commission as a tool for increasing youth involvement

in civic affairs, local government and community improvement;

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that youth boards, youth

commissions and other organizations that encourage the next

generation to become more involved in civic affairs, as well

as in local and state government, be viewed as an asset to

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the people and communities of New Mexico, to the future of

the state and to the development of more active and informed

residents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

transmitted to the Las Vegas youth commission.