Why the Forum?
There are numerous organizations in New Mexico that earnestly strive to better the lives of young people. However, no matter how successful they are in accomplishing their specific objectives, they are limited in scope. Through its broad emphasis on positive youth development, the Forum serves as a state-level intermediary group providing a cohesive vision for the field of youth-serving organizations. The Forum provides meaningful networking opportunities through hosting “Forum Gatherings,” convening Regional Events and the yearly Youth in Community Summit. Through the work of committees and projects, the Forum addresses issues and mobilizes resources that affect youth and those who work with young people across the state.
What are the projects and committees of the Forum?
Committees include:
Projects include:
What is the Children's Cabinet?
Lt. Governor Diane D. Denish is chair of the Children's Cabinet. This group, which was created by an executive order signed by Gov. Bill Richardson, is made up of every secretary and department head dealing with children.
The aim of the Cabinet is to focus state resources on improving the lives of New Mexico's children by increasing interaction among state departments in an effort to streamline services and reduce bureaucratic red tape. It will also track child well-being indicators such as teen birthrate, infant mortality rates, rates of crimes against children, dropout rates and immunization rates.
By looking at these indicators we can see both where we are failing our kids and where we are succeeding. More important, we can adjust policies on the fly so that they are meeting the vital needs of our families and children.
By increasing communication, we can hopefully achieve the following goals:
Literacy by the third grade Increased availability of health insurance for children
An improved rate of immunization Increased availability of childcare for parents working their way off welfare
Removal of bureaucratic roadblocks to public assistance for our children
A large part of this effort will also include economic development, because if we can create better jobs for New Mexico 's parents then we can build a brighter future for New Mexico 's kids.
These departments make up the Children's Cabinet:
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