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April 9, 2007

Winds of Change
We progressives are always on the lookout for a change in the social winds - and we think one is drifting by right now. The Pew Research Center for People & the Press has a new survey out, called "Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007." The research shows American opinion trending more toward core progressive values of social responsibility and shared fate, as well as trending away from aggressive foreign policies.

The research also finds that people are more and more concerned about their own financial situations, with 44% saying they don't make enough money to make ends meet - that's up from 35% in 2002. More people also believe that the gap between the very rich and the very poor has widened - but, interestingly, this trend is highest among affluent Americans.

You can read the whole report here: http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=312, and read a piece on it by the National Committee for an Effective Congress here: http://www.ncec.org/insider/insider_4_04_07.html

It's Quittin' Time!
With the Dee Johnson Clean Indoor Act signed into law - and going into effect on June 15 -- there's no better time to give up your smoking habit - or convince someone you love to give up theirs. Of course, you don't have to quit alone. The New Mexico Department of Health is offering free nicotine patches or gum to tobacco users who enroll in the "Quit for Life" program.

You can enroll by calling 1-800-QUIT NOW, New Mexico's free tobacco help line. Supplies are limited and available to callers on a first come, first served basis.

Tornado Relief
Our friends at Community Action New Mexico have created a relief fund for the victims of the tornados that recently destroyed and severely damaged homes in eastern New Mexico. Some of the hardest hit areas were home to low-income New Mexicans, who may have been under- or uninsured.

Community Action New Mexico reports that in the Clovis area alone some 80 homes were lost and another 500 severely damaged.

The Community Action Tornado Relief Fund has been established at Wells Fargo, and contributions can be made at any of the Wells Fargo branches in New Mexico.

If you'd rather donate food or other items, call the Community Action in Tucumcari (505-461-1914), or in Clovis (505-769-1094).

You can find out more about Community Action New Mexico here: www.communityactionnewmexico.org

Train for Diversity
It's April and that means two things ... taxes and the annual Diversity Leadership Conference. This year marks the 18th Annual Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) Forum on Diversity and the theme is "A Diversity Renaissance: New Ways of Working Together."

This full-day conference features two plenary sessions and eight workshops including: Creating a Renaissance in a Changing Environment, Strategic Thinking and the 21st Century Leader, Seeing and Valuing Diversity Through Film, Managing the Multigenerational Workplace, Bullying in the Workplace, Careers and the Disabled, Dare to Laugh, Global Perspectives on Access and Equity, Diversity: Beyond the Labels.

Registration is $110, which includes breakfast, lunch, materials and entertainment.

The conference is Wednesday, April 18, 8am to 5pm, at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel on Louisiana Blvd. NE. Click here for more information and to register: http://dce.unm.edu/Events/Conference/DLC_07/index.cfm

Taking a Moment for Taxes
If you haven't filed your income tax forms yet, your time is running short. This year tax day is Tuesday, April 17.

If you're not planning on filing because you do not owe income taxes, you might want to think again. If you work and have children, there are several credits you might qualify for:

  • Up to $4,436 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Up to $450 from the New Mexico Low-Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate
  • Up to $2,100 from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
  • Up to $1,200 from the New Mexico Child Day Care Tax Credit
  • And up to $1,000 per child from the federal Child Care Tax Credit.

In order to receive these credits you MUST file a tax return. Not sure how to go about claiming these credits? The folks at Tax Help New Mexico with prepare and file your form at no charge if you are over the age of 65 or have an annual income under $36,000. Offices are open statewide and some offer services in Spanish and Navajo. TAX HELP NM is a program of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Get more information here: http://www.cnm.edu/taxhelp/.

Fame & Shame Awards
This annual Oscar-style event takes Hollywood to task for its shameless promotion of cigarettes and smoking. Join the teens from our Youth Link program and a host of other coalitions to shame Hollywood and celebrate the youth advocates of the year. The red carpet rolls out in front of Albuquerque's KiMo Theater at 4:30pm on Saturday, April 14. If you'd like to attend, polish up your best rhinestones and RSVP here: kperea@nmvoices.org.

Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards
Join us in honoring New Mexico youth who take community service to the extreme at our Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Awards Ceremony with keynote speaker is Carol Cassell, the author of "Swept Away" and "Straight from the Heart: How to Talk to Your Teenagers About Love and Sex." The awards ceremony is Friday, April 20, in Albuquerque. Call 244-9505 ext. 10 or visit http://www.nmvoices.org/abysa.htm for more information and to purchase tickets.

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