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October 9, 2006


Risky Business

The “2005 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency” report has been released and it doesn’t paint a great picture for our youth. The survey takes a look at what kinds of risky behaviors the state’s teens engage in and how often. Risky behaviors run the gamut from smoking and binge drinking to drug, condom and seatbelt use.

New Mexico has some of the highest rates in the nation for drug use and suicides. One of the areas in which we do exceed is buckling up our kids.

The report is sponsored by the state Department of Health (http://www.health.state.nm.us)


Voting Your Real Values

Much has been said in the run-up to this election (as well as many preceding elections) about values – particularly in light of the recent scandal in the House of Representatives. Even though ‘values’ is a subjective concept we thought you might be interested in a survey conducted by the Center for American Values in Public Life (a project of the People for the American Way Foundation). The report, aptly titled “American Values Survey,” discusses these four key findings:

  • Social issues such as abortion and gay marriage rank last in importance to the vast majority of American voters when they are casting their ballots.
  • An overwhelming majority of Americans, including at least three-quarters of every major religious tradition, say issues like poverty and health care are more important than hot-button social issues.
    When people think about “voting their values,” more people think of the honesty, integrity and responsibility of the candidate than any other values.
  • Americans overwhelmingly agree that too many religious leaders focus on abortion and gay rights without addressing more important issues such as loving our neighbors and caring for the poor.
  • You can read the entire report here: http://media.pfaw.org/pdf/cav/AVSReport.pdf, or just read the summary here: http://www.centerforamericanvalues.org/site/c.ggLRI4OCKlF/b.2054385/k.6DF4/American_Values_Survey.htm

Getting Guidance

Speaking of voting (and we’ll be speaking about it a lot between now and Nov. 7), if you’re looking for information on New Mexico’s candidates and issues, check out the League of Women Voters New Mexico’s 2006 Voter Guide. The nonpartisan guide has information on the constitutional amendments and general obligation bonds that will be on the ballot, along with short profiles of many of the candidates. You can access the guide here: http://www.lwvnm.org/VGuide2006/index.html

Race Matters Update

We got a lot accomplished during last week’s Race Matters Task Force meeting. Regarding coalition building, we discussed a statement of principles and an endorsement form, and settled on a name: New Mexico Race Matters Coalition. We then split up into our subject groups, selected chairs and came up with criteria for the upcoming fact sheets.

If you couldn’t make it to the meeting, you can find out who’s chairing your subject group by contacting Felicia Griffin at fgriffin@nmvoices.org or 505-244-9505, ext. 21. Since the task force meetings will now be held quarterly, the subject groups are meeting on their own in November. The next task force meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 6. Visit http://www.nmvoices.org/racematters.htm for more information and to register.

Call for Nominees

We’re now accepting nominations for our 2007 Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award. The award honors New Mexico youths (ages 13 through 26) who are making a difference in their communities through service work or outreach. This year we’ve split the award into two age groups – 13 to 18 and 19 to 26. One finalist and one winner will be selected from each of the age groups.

The deadline for nominations is 3pm, Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. If you’d like a nomination packet mailed to you call 505-244-9505, ext. 10. You can also download the forms here: www.nmvoices.org/abysa.htm. The awards ceremony will be Friday, April 20, 2007, in Albuquerque.

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