SENATE MEMORIAL 71

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

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

A MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2012 "SUPPORT THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS DAY" IN THE NEW MEXICO SENATE.

     WHEREAS, for over ten decades, the New Mexico state alliance of YMCAs, also known as the "Y", has 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 Y to become healthier and to support them in their desire to live healthier lifestyles; and 

     WHEREAS, more than eight thousand eight hundred families benefit directly each year from the Y's extensive programming for all ages and interest groups, from toddler activities to teen programs to fitness and wellness opportunities for New Mexico's senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, more than seven thousand seven hundred youths benefit each year from programs such as Y after-school care, Y basketball, Y volleyball, character counts!, youth and government, yes corp, 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 the Y each year, making New Mexico's Y one of the largest volunteer-led and -driven organizations in New Mexico; and

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

     WHEREAS, the Y's ability to be available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay, depends wholly upon continued community support, partially through supporters like the united way, but also through Y memberships and program support, and through expansion, such as the Espanola teen center, the new Los Alamos teen center, a newly enlarged facility in Los Alamos, the renovation and expansion of two branches in Albuquerque, new branches in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho and a new Y facility in Clovis;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Wednesday, February 8, 2012 be proclaimed "Support the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs Day" in the New Mexico senate in recognition of the important role that the Y plays in providing community programs and support to youth, families and adults throughout New Mexico.

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