Human Rights and Civic Participation
Our collective and individual needs and voices should be represented in government. Basic human rights and the ability to engage in civic participation should not be limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin.
Featured Content
Eligible but Excluded: How Systemic Inequities in Language Access are Impacting Asian, Pacific Islander, and African Immigrant and Refugee Communities During the Pandemic
A follow-up to our Essential but Excluded report, this looks at how Asian/Pacific Islander and African immigrants and refugees are unable to access public benefits for which they are eligible – and not just during the pandemic – due to a pervasive lack of language access at many state agencies. This, despite federal laws requiring such access.
Strengthening All Communities for a Brighter Future
New Mexico is strongest and our future is brightest when everyone is able to make their unique contributions to our communities and the state. Yet, so many of our immigrant friends and neighbors are being held back by public policies that ignore or punish them. This report looks at how immigrant-inclusive legislation would improve the quality of life for all New Mexicans.
Your Go-To Guides on How the State Collects and Spends Money and How to Influence the Process
Our state’s tax system and budget are a reflection of what we value most and an illustration of the kind of communities we wish to create. Who pays taxes and how much, and how we spend and allocate that funding – basically, how we make our values a reality – are decided by the lawmakers we elect to represent us in Santa Fe. They create the annual budget that the state uses to provide services that benefit us collectively, like education and health care. Learn more about how this works and how you can work with your legislators to promote an important policy or cause.
- Link to the full Guide to New Mexico’s Tax System or the executive summary
- Link to the full Guide to New Mexico’s State Budget or the executive summary
- Link to the Guide to Legislative Advocacy in New Mexico
- Link to the Advocate’s Guide to the New Mexico State Budget
Recent Publications
Eligible but Excluded
Report A follow-up to our Essential but Excluded report, this looks at how Asian/Pacific Islander and African immigrants and refugees are unable to access public benefits for which they are eligible - and not just during the pandemic - due to a pervasive lack of language access at many state agencies. This, despite federal laws requiring such access.
A Guide to Legislative Advocacy in New Mexico
Advocacy Guide Learn the ins and outs of working with your state legislators to promote a policy or cause that is important to you or your community.
Recent Blog Posts
Advancing Equity in New Mexico: The 2020 Census
Despite numerous challenges, including counterproductive federal policies and now a global pandemic, New Mexico policy-makers and local non-profit organizations are working together to make sure all New Mexicans are counted during the 2020 Census.
Rule change is a moral outrage we must not tolerate for our nation’s children
This revision is not acceptable, it targets immigrant families who are already residing legally in the United States, and it does not reflect America’s historical tradition of welcoming those seeking to make a better life. But there is still time stop this rule from being implemented.
Recent News Coverage
Bill requires NM departments to help non-English speakers
A New Mexico Voices for Children report from August says “New Mexicans who speak languages other than English, particularly immigrants and refugees, are excluded because of systemic inequities in language access. The inadequacy of our state’s multilingual interpretation and translation services causes significant hardship in many New Mexico communities because language access is critical for both good health and financial security.”
2021 Kids Count Data Book indicates positives but also continued challenges
Amber Wallin, executive director of NMVC, said New Mexico legislators should continue to enact legislation that will positively impact families and children, particularly families of color. “During this Legislative session we’re continuing to focus on public policy to provide robust safety net support, especially in direct economic assistance for families who need it the most, especially for low-income front line workers, refugee and immigrant families unable to access key forms of relief,” she said.
Resources
Vote! Your County Clerk’s office can tell you where to register and vote. The Secretary of State’s Office also has information on voter registration, voter rights, and elections in New Mexico. The League of Women Voters of Central NM also provides contact information for voter registration, political parties, and elected officials at the state and local levels.
Advocate for Issues You Care About Meet with, write or call your legislator or congress person about an issue that concerns you. They really do appreciate hearing from you. Not sure who represents you in Santa Fe and Washington? Find out here.
Know Your Rights Do you believe your constitutional rights have been violated? Contact the ACLU of New Mexico to see if you may have a legal case.