SENATE MEMORIAL 55

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 20, 2013 "SUPPORT THE NEW MEXICO ALLIANCE OF YMCAS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, for over one hundred years, a New Mexico state alliance of YMCAs 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 the New Mexico state alliance of YMCAs strives to support them in their desire to live a healthier lifestyle; and

     WHEREAS, over twenty-eight thousand individuals 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 senior citizens; and

     WHEREAS, over fourteen thousand five hundred youths benefit each year from programs such as after-school enrichment, YMCA basketball and volleyball, youth-in- government, yes corp, counselor-in-training, summer camps, teen programs and teen centers, camp Shaver and many other character-building and youth-development programs; and

     WHEREAS, over one thousand individuals volunteer at YMCAs each year, making the YMCA one of the largest volunteer-led and -driven organizations in New Mexico; and

      WHEREAS, each YMCA is governed by a local volunteer board of directors who give generously of their time, money and effort in order that New Mexico residents may grow as responsible members of their families and communities and develop self-confidence and self-respect, as well as an awareness of the rights and worth of every individual; and

     WHEREAS, each local volunteer board of directors also

appreciates that physical and mental health are divine gifts that should be maintained through healthy living and spiritual growth, and serving on the board allows volunteers to develop and use their capacities for leadership; and

     WHEREAS, nearly two hundred forty thousand dollars ($240,000) was awarded in financial aid so that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, could participate in the Y, and the YMCA financial aid program depends wholly upon continued community support, partially through supporters like United Way but also through YMCA memberships, program support and annual campaigns;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 20, 2013 be declared "Support the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Stephen Paternoster, chief executive officer, YMCA of central New Mexico.

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