SENATE MEMORIAL 21

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

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, more recently, by the New Mexico civic 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 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.

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