HOUSE MEMORIAL 21

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Dona G. Irwin

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT MUNICIPALITIES CREATE AND SUPPORT YOUTH ADVISORY BOARDS, COUNCILS OR COMMISSIONS AND RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THOSE ENTITIES MAKE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES.

     WHEREAS, since 1992, the national league of cities has incorporated the youth voice into its institute for youth, education and families; and

     WHEREAS, the forty-eighth legislature approved Senate Memorial 4, recognizing and endorsing the Las Vegas youth commission as a model youth participation project in local government; and

     WHEREAS, the forty-ninth legislature approved Senate Memorial 34, recognizing and encouraging the formation of youth councils and commissions at the municipal and county levels; and

     WHEREAS, youth advisory councils or commissions have been formed by the mayors of Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Farmington, Albuquerque and Red River, and by Deming high school, to formally create a community role for the youth voice in those communities, and they offer input, suggestions and recommendations pertaining to issues that affect youth in the community when deemed necessary and appropriate, or upon request from the municipal governing bodies; and

     WHEREAS, youth advisory councils and commissions provide viable youth channels for service learning and community and civic engagement programs where they did not previously exist;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that municipalities be requested to establish youth advisory councils or commissions, congratulating those that have already done so and recognizing the unselfish and significant contributions made by youth advisory boards, councils and commissions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayors of Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Farmington, Albuquerque and Red River, to the board of education of the Deming public school district and to the New Mexico municipal league.

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