SENATE MEMORIAL 25

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

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE NEEDS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF YOUNG PARENTS IN NEW MEXICO AND DESIGNATING AUGUST 25, 2012 AS A DAY OF RECOGNITION OF YOUNG PARENTS.

     WHEREAS, all families deserve respect, trust and recognition; and

     WHEREAS, many of New Mexico's young parents are taking care of their children while learning to balance responsibilities like school, families and relationships and jobs and careers, as well as taking care of themselves; and

     WHEREAS, young parents contribute to vibrant communities across New Mexico as workers, educators, mentors, artists, activists, nurses, writers, musicians, stay-at-home parents, church members, volunteers, voters and more; and

     WHEREAS, it is a choice to parent, and young parents have families that are their own to raise; and

     WHEREAS, the stigma of generational violence unfairly places shame on young families and increases the stress on young parents, leaving these families vulnerable and pushed to the margins; and

     WHEREAS, the negative depictions of young parents and their children that are used in pregnancy prevention models isolate young families and often do not reflect their experiences; and

     WHEREAS, all young parents deserve access to culturally appropriate support and resources so that their families may thrive; and

     WHEREAS, additional cuts to programs that strengthen families will have a negative impact on all of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, positive change in the lives of young people is rooted in equal access to educational opportunities, living-wage jobs, affordable health care and safe housing; and

     WHEREAS, many young parents are raising wonderful, healthy and happy children; and

     WHEREAS, all families deserve dignity and equal rights; and

     WHEREAS, all parents have a future and all families matter;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that August 25, 2012 be designated as a day of recognition of young parents.

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