Democracy for New Mexico

4/13: Celebrate our New OFA-NM Office in Rio Rancho

From OFA-NM:

This election is heating up all over the country, and the organization we're putting together in New Mexico will make a big difference this November.

Whether you're just starting to get involved in this organization or you've been pounding the pavement to talk to voters for months, now is the perfect time to meet up with other supporters to celebrate the opening of our brand-new office in Rio Rancho.

Come out and help build this office from the start:

What: Rio Rancho office opening
Where: OFA-NM Rio Rancho office 2218 Southern Blvd. SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124
When: Friday, April 13th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

We won't work you too hard this Friday -- there's plenty of hard work to do in the months ahead. We'll relax and chat about the issues that matter most here, like affordable health care and support for the middle class.

This new office in Rio Rancho will be the local hub for building our base of volunteers, connecting with undecided voters, and helping make sure we secure the 270 electoral votes we need for a win on November 6th. Our state has the power to make a real impact in this election for Democrats up and down the ticket -- but it won't happen unless we get our organizing off the ground in New Mexico now.

It's time to prepare for the tough fight ahead -- so don't miss the office kickoff in Rio Rancho on Friday: https://nm.barackobama.com/Rio-Rancho-Office-Opening

9/17: Westside Forum in Rio Rancho Presents 'A Call to Advocacy' with Progressive Activist Holly Beaumont

From Doug Long, Westside Forum:
Progressive activist Holly Beaumont will present "A Call to Advocacy: How We Can and Must Work Together to Shape Public Policy." The event will take place on Saturday, September 17, at 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Westside Congregation, 1650 Abrazo Rd., in Rio Rancho.

Dr. Beaumont is the Organizing Director of New Mexico. She has been working for justice in New Mexico for 25 years.

The event is free, and all are welcome. Presented by Westside Forum.

8/20: Congressman Ben Ray Luján to Hold Conversations With Constituents in Rio Rancho and Santa Fe

Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District will hold “Conversations with Ben Ray” on Saturday, August 20 in Rio Rancho and Santa Fe. Luján will be available to meet with constituents to assist them with casework and discuss issues of concern so he can continue to be a powerful voice on their behalf. Luján is holding a number of conversations with constituents across Northern New Mexico during the month of August.

WHO: Congressman Ben Ray Luján
WHAT: Conversations with Ben Ray
WHEN: Saturday, August 20, 2011

• 1 PM to 3 PM in Rio Rancho, Rio Rancho Chamber of Commerce, 4001 Southern Blvd. SE
• 5 PM to 7 PM in Santa Fe, 811 St. Michael's Drive, Suite 104

8/14: West Side Rainbow Youth Gay-Straight Alliance Fall Kickoff With Pizza and Movie in Rio Rancho

From Doug Long, UU Westside:
The Rainbow Youth Gay Straight Alliance is having their Fall Kick-Off meeting on Sunday, August 14, at 6:30 PM. There will be free pizza and a movie. All youth aged 14-18 who are accepting of gay and straight people are welcome to come. Come meet new friends and be part of interesting projects. The group meets at the Unitarian Universalist Westside Congregation, 1650 Abrazo Road (about a mile west of Unser Blvd, near the corner of Abrazo and Inca) in Rio Rancho.

Same-Sex Couple Files Suit Against Rio Rancho Public Schools for Civil Rights Violations

Shannon Bissell Peterson and Jessica Bissell Peterson, a same-sex couple who were legally married in Iowa, have filed suit on behalf of themselves and their daughter who endured bullying and abuse on multiple occasions while attending fifth grade at Martin Luther King Elementary School, part of the Rio Rancho Public School District. Plaintiffs maintain that their daughter's teacher actively discriminated against her and failed to protect her from bullying as a result of her mothers' marriage and sexual orientation. 

“There is no place in our public schools for educators who discriminate against a child based upon the sexual orientation of that child's parents," say Amelia P. Nelson and Rachel Higgins, attorneys for the family. “It is outrageous that an educator paid with public funds would find it within her rights to punish and fail to protect a ten year old child based upon her personally held belief that same sex couples shouldn't marry or have children. To subject a child to this type of treatment in front of other children teaches intolerance. Given it's namesake, it is more than a little ironic that these events unfolded at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School." 

Shannon and Jessica Bissell Peterson notified the child’s principal that their daughter was being bullied prior to her physical assault but no action was taken against the teacher or other children. Instead, the principal threatened to discipline their child. Nelson and her co-counsel, Rachel Higgins, filed a complaint in district court. The complaint requests damages for physical injuries, discrimination, and infliction of emotional distress among other counts. 

2/19: Westside Forum to Feature Retired Judges Angela and Tommy Jewell

From Douglas Long, Westside Forum:
"From the Bar to the Bench and Back -- Musings on Retirement, Mediation, and Life" will be presented by retired husband and wife judges Angela and Tommy Jewell. In part reflective, and in part looking forward to their lives as retired judges, this is their autobiography. These remarkable people will share their stories of a fascinating journey.

The event takes place on Saturday, February 19, at 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Westside Congregation, 1650 Abrazo Rd. (about a mile west of Unser Blvd, near the corner of Abrazo and Inca) in Rio Rancho. This event is free, and all are welcome.

1/15: Westside Forum in Rio Rancho on Issues for NM 60-Day Legislative Session

From the Westside Forum:
The Westside Forum will host "Faith, Hope, and Justice - Issues for the New Mexico 60-Day Legislative Session" on Saturday, January 15, at 3:00 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Westside Congregation, 1650 Abrazo Rd. (about a mile west of Unser Blvd, near the corner of Abrazo and Inca) in Rio Rancho. The event is free, and all are welcome.

Rev. Holly Beaumont, Organizing Director of the New Mexico branch of "Interfaith Worker Justice," will explain some of the major social justice issues that our New Mexico Legislature may address from January to March 2011.

The Westside Forum is held on the third Saturday of each month. It covers important and timely topics. We extend our welcome to the public to attend.

Tonight: Grand Opening of Sandoval County Democratic Party HQ

From the Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM):
Come and support State Democratic Candidates and meet other Democrats in Sandoval County at the grand opening of the Sandoval County Democratic Party Headquarters tonight, Tuesday, August 10, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The new office is located at 2218 Southern Blvd., Suite 3, in Rio Rancho NM (map).

If you have questions, contact Eleanor Bravo, Field Director, Sandoval County Coordinated Campaign at Eleanor.bravo@gmail.com