Democracy for New Mexico

Today: Big Brothers Big Sisters Open House

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico is hosting a mentoring month open house today, Thursday, January 24, 2008, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at their headquarters at 5400 Phoenix NE in Albuquerque. Refreshments will be served and there will be a recognition ceremony at 6:00 PM. Meet Big Brother Big Sister staff, volunteers and community partners and learn how you can get involved. For more info, call Irene at 837-9223, extension 41. Click for an invitation (pdf). BBBS describe their organization and what they achieve this way:

Since 1969, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico has been creating magic in people's lives.  BBBS works to help boys and girls achieve their potential by matching them one-to-one in positive relationships with adult volunteers. A volunteer does not need any special skills to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. They only need to be interested in sharing special moments with a child. Just by sharing experiences, celebrating accomplishments, and listening to a child's concerns, a Big Brother or Big Sister can make a difference in the life of a child.

Who Our Littles Are
Youth ages 6-18 will benefit from a one-to-one friendship with a positive adult.

• Ninety-five percent are from single parent families.
• Ninety percent are low-income.
• Eighty-three percent are minorities.

The Difference We Make
A recent study conducted by a national research firm (Public/Private Ventures (PP/V)) examined the impact of our program on youth and found that when compared to their peers, Little Brothers and Little Sisters who met with their Big Brothers or Sisters for at least one year were:

• 46% less likely to start using drugs;
• 27% less likely to start drinking;
• 33% less likely to act violently;
• 52% less likely to skip a day of school, and earned higher grades.

Almost across the board these outcomes are higher for minority youth. For example:

• Minority boys are 67% less likely to start using drugs; and
• Minority girls are 72% less likely to start using drugs.

You can learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters at their website

Today: AZ Guv Napolitano Stumps for Obama in NM

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, who has endorsed Barack Obama for President, will be at three events in New Mexico today in support of his candidacy. Napolitano grew up in Albuquerque and has many contacts in the state. All events are open to the public:

Santa Fe
Tuesday, January 22nd, 1:00 PM, Hotel Santa Fe, Paseo de Peralta. More info: Gaye at 505-982-1899. According to an item in this morning's Albuquerque Journal, Napolitano will also meet with undecided women voters at 3:0 PM today at the Hotel Santa Fe, but I don't see that event on the Obama website so you might want to double check.

Albuquerque
Tuesday, January 22nd, 6:00 PM, Art Dance Art Space Bldg., 3030 Isleta Blvd. SW. Take I-25 South to Rio Bravo Exit and go West. Turn right at signal.

To learn more about local campaign activities, check the Obama for New Mexico page at the Obama website. Obama's Albuquerque campaign office is located at 1000 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102; 505-205-5629.

Tonight: Conservation Voters Legislative Reception

Please join Conservation Voters New Mexico and our special invited guests, Members of the NM State Legislature, for our second annual
Legislative Rollout Reception
Monday, January 21st  5:30 - 7:30 PM
We will be presenting our "Green Gavel" award to confirmed attendee Lt. Governor Diane Denish
Gerald Peters Gallery
1011 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe
$100 suggested donation at the door
($50 by online donation in advance) 
By Invitation Only. RSVPs REQUIRED in advance for entrance to the Gallery. RSVP at 992-8683 or RSVP@cvnm.org

This reception was a huge hit last year with a sellout crowd! Come learn about the environmental community's legislative agenda. Don't miss the best environmental party of the legislative session-- RSVP now! 

Conservation Voters New Mexico works to make the protection of our air, land, water, wildlife, and communities a top priority for elected officials, political candidates, and voters across the state.

ABQ Sierra Clubs Hosts Wildlife Rescue Presentation

From the Sierra Club Central New Mexico Group: At our next general membership meeting, Wildlife Rescue Inc. of New Mexico will present an educational program about their work raising, rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife here in the Albuquerque area and their efforts to educate the public about the necessity of preserving wildlife habitat.  A few of their residents may be joining us as well! The meeting is on Tuesday, January 22nd, from 7 to 9 PM, at the UNM Law School (Stanford NE at Tucker Rd), Room 2405. All are welcome.

RSVP Now: Free EMILY's List Candidate Training in ABQ

From EMILY's List: On February 13th and 14th, EMILY’s List will be offering a terrific training opportunity for pro-choice Democratic women in New Mexico and surrounding states. We would like to extend an invitation for you or someone you know to participate in the training.

As you may know, EMILY's List is a political donor network and political resource for pro-choice Democratic women candidates. EMILY's List has initiated a program designed to recruit and train women to run for and serve in elected office in the states. 

Whether currently serving on the school board, in the State Legislature, or just beginning to think about running for elective office, we are certain this training will provide women with the skills and inspiration needed to successfully run for office.

The program will take place in Albuquerque and begins on the evening of Wednesday, February 13th, with a welcome reception and short session. Thursday, February 14th (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) will be filled with training on campaign planning, fundraising, message development, voter contact, direct mail and other important campaign issues. 

The program, including materials and meals is free, however space is limited. Partial participation is not possible -- you must commit to attending the full program in order to be allocated a seat at the training.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please respond to this invitation as soon as possible by contacting Michelle Stephenson, Political Opportunity Program Assistant, at (202) 419-3073 or mstephenson@emilyslist.org. You will then get more information on the location and lodging information. 

We hope you or someone you know will be able to join us for this important training.  If you have previously attended an EMILY's List training please contact me prior to registration at tbjork@emilyslist.org or (608) 257-2235.

Sincerely,
Tanya Bjork, Regional Director, EMILY's List

Come to the Roundhouse Comedy Revue

From New Mexico Voices for Children:
Join us for an evening of laughs as we poke fun at New Mexico’s own unique brand of politics. The Roundhouse Comedy Revue is Monday, January 21, 2008, 8-10 PM, at the Lodge at Santa Fe, 750 N. St. Francis Dr. Tickets are $50. Proceeds benefit NM Voices for Children. Visit our website to purchase tickets online and for sponsorship opportunities.

Reminder: DPBC Holiday Potluck & Vet Center Benefit Set for Tonight

You're all invited to the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County's Third Thursday Meeting tonight, December 20, 2007, at 6:00 PM at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall at 510 San Pedro SE in Albuquerque. There'll be a festive Holiday Potluck and you're encouraged to bring donations of food, money, personal items and clothes to benefit the New Mexico Veterans Reintegration Center in Albuquerque. Your contributions will help the Center during the holiday season and beyond.

Our DPBC Chair, Ana Canales, is also encouraging folks to donate holiday wrapping paper and tape so the presents to the Vet Center can be wrapped. You can read more about the Party's Vet Center donation project here. See below for a list of other items you can donate to the cause.

DONATION ITEMS NEEDED FOR VET REINTEGRATION CENTER

• Personal toiletries: deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, lotions, toothbrushes, combs, shaving lotion, razors, etc.
• Towels: new or gently used please!! We would like one bath towel, one hand towel, and 2 wash clothes per person in each box.
• Socks, slipper socks, and underwear- various sizes and types will be fine.
• Gloves and caps- one size fits all will be best.
• Sweatshirts, sweaters, and/or flannel shirts, various sizes.
• Stationery, first-class stamps, envelopes, and long-distance phone cards.
• Home-made cookies, brownies, etc. No store bought!!
• Copier-paper boxes to pack gifts in. (This will make all gifts uniform size)

DONATED CASH WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE COATS FOR THE MOST NEEDY RESIDENTS.

Saturday Night: North Valley Acequia of Lights

This post on Duke City Fix explains this cool event. Click for an event flyer (pdf) with more info. Bottom line on the Second Annual North Valley Acequia of Lights:

• Saturday, December 15, 2007, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
• Griegos Drain Lined with Luminaria Through Los Poblanos Open Space (Go west along Solar Road from 4th Street, or south along the Griegos Drain from Chavez Road)
• The Open Space is amazing this time of year, with cranes and geese and more
• Sierra Club Lights the Night Light Bulb Exchange
• Refreshments, Music, Community, Bonfires, Hot Drinks for Chilly Strollers
• Sponsored by Ditches with Trails Project, North Valley Coalition, Rio Grande Community Farms, Alvarado Elementary School

• Call Ellen at 890-2937 for more info or to volunteer

12/16: Holy Road Tour Bus, Lizzie West & The White Buffalo & Potluck for Peace

From Thomas at BringDaNoise.com:
The Holy Road Tour bus will be making a stop in Albuquerque this December 16th at the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice for a Potluck and Jam Session for Peace! The Holy Road Tour features Appleseed Records recording artists Lizzie West & The White Buffalo whose song "19 Miles To Baghdad" was recently featured on Democracy Now, and the video I made was featured on BringDaNoise.com/.

LOCAL MUSICIANS WANTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JAM SESSION!!

This event is a great way to network with others involved in the peace movement, eat some great food, and listen to some amazing music!! Everyone is welcome (bring some food)!

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 at 6 PM
at the Albuquerque Center For Peace and Justice
202 Harvard SE (corner of Harvard and Silver)
email thomas@bringdanoise.com for more information

PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT EVENT!!

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish Hosts Belen Holiday Celebration

Come and Celebrate the Holidays: Lieutenant Governor Diane D. Denish invites you and your family to join her for a holiday celebration and benefit. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for the Sheriff’s toys for tots or new clothing, personal item or other suitable gift for the Children of Casa as admission; even a gift card would be appreciated.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007, 5:00 PM
The Holiday Inn Express
2710 Camino Del Llano in Belen
Please RSVP to Michelle Mares at (505) 270-2330
or mmares@dianedenish.com