HOUSE MEMORIAL 40

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

INTRODUCED BY

Jim W. Hall

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT FEBRUARY 8, 2012 BE DECLARED "SUPPORT THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, for over ten decades, New Mexico's alliance of young men's Christian associations, also known as YMCA, have strengthened the foundations of community through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility; and

     WHEREAS, more New Mexicans are turning to their YMCA to become healthier and to support their desire to live a healthier lifestyle; and

     WHEREAS, more than eight thousand eight hundred families benefit directly each year from the extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities to teen programs to fitness and wellness opportunities for senior citizens, offered by their YMCAs; and

     WHEREAS, more than seven thousand seven hundred youth benefit each year from programs such as YMCA after-school care, Y basketball, Y volleyball, character counts!, youth and government, YES corps, counselor-in-training, Y summer camp, teen programs and teen centers, Camp Shaver and many other character-building and youth-development programs; and

     WHEREAS, more than one thousand nine hundred individuals volunteer at YMCAs each year, making the YMCA one of the largest volunteer-led and -driven organizations in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who give generously of their time, money and effort so that residents of New Mexico, as responsible members of their families and communities, may develop self-confidence, self-respect and an awareness of the rights and worth of every individual; may appreciate that physical and mental health are divine gifts that should be maintained through healthy living and spiritual growth; and may develop and use their capacities for leadership; and

     WHEREAS, the YMCA's ability to remain available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay, depends wholly upon continued community support, partially through supporters like united way, but also through YMCA memberships and program support and through new construction, expansion and renovation, most recently in Española, Los Alamos, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Clovis;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, in recognition of the important role that the YMCA plays in providing community programs and support to youth, families and adults throughout New Mexico, February 8, 2012 be declared "Support the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the governor.

- 3 -