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Event Overview

We know that today’s young people are our greatest asset, because they will be our next generation of teachers, engineers, farmers, technicians, artists, entrepreneurs, doctors, and builders. We also know that this generation will need their education more than ever, with high-level thinking and technology skills required in almost every field. It is essential that our young people thrive in school, and it is equally important that their families, schools, and communities provide the support those youth need to excel.

Lofty goals, but how to achieve them? The state government has sponsored a series of summits on improving the graduation rates. Those plans can provide a firm starting point. But at the end of the day, young people will excel because they choose to, and they know their families and communities are there to help.

For these reasons, New Mexico First is convening two-day town halls in four regions around the state to produce recommendations for community-driven plans that support the aspirations of New Mexico youth.  Whether you live in a rural community or an urban center, this issue affects you. The recommendations from each town hall will impact the quality of life for young people and the future of their communities.

When and Where?

  • May 5-6: Southeast Region in Roswell / Event Complete
    • Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Counties
  • May 12-13: Southwest Region in Las Cruces / Event Complete
    • Dona Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, and Sierra Counties
  • May 19: Northeast Region in Las Vegas / Event Complete
    • Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, Mora, Quay, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, Union, and Rio Arriba Counties
  • June 10-11: Central Region in Albuquerque
    • Cibola, McKinley, San Juan, Catron, Bernalillo, Sandoval, Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties

Not sure of your region? Look at our Town Hall 38 Regional Map here.

Who Should Attend?

  • Youth and their parent or guardian
  • Civic leaders & community members
  • Business people
  • Youth service providers
  • Economic and workforce development specialists
  • Educators
  • State and local government leaders
  • Tribal youth and leaders

Seating is limited. Early registration is highly recommended.

Interested in Recruiting a Delegation from Your Community?

The potential for success of the town hall in your region is greatly enhanced if a group of committed individuals from your community attend the regional town hall together. For that reason, New Mexico First is looking for Community Chairs (or Co-chairs) to recruit delegations to attend the town hall.

Learn more about being a Community Chair

What Happens at the Town Hall?

This will not be a typical conference with day after day of presentations. There will be a couple of guest speakers to help set the context, but the bulk of the town hall is comprised of small group conversations among participants who care about the topic and are ready to take responsibility for implementing the recommendations that result.

Prior to the town hall, participants will receive a background report. The report will provide valuable information on youth issues and outline success stories about families, schools, and communities that are helping youth set goals and achieve their dreams. The report will provide a basis for the conversations held during the town hall.

Using New Mexico First’s proven consensus-building process, the two-day town halls will ask participants to develop recommendations for enabling youth to set high aspiriations and achieve them. On the second day of the town hall, participants will meet with others from their community to identify the town hall recommendations that best fit their hometowns.

What Happens after the Town Hall?

The recommendations will not sit on a shelf or get passed on to another group for consideration. Ideally, town hall participants from each community will agree to be the charter members of a Community Action Team to advance the recommendations in their area. New Mexico First will provide follow-up support to help the teams keep the progress going.

Register now!