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Core Assumptions

NMCE’s civic engagement is guided by these core assumptions:

• Statewide Initiative — New Mexico’s small population represents a large land mass. Thus, our civic projects must join disparate regions and communities under a common banner to promote active citizenship.

• Multicultural — In all civic efforts, our state has a tremendous resource and challenge in including its diverse citizens and cultures, from border communities to isolated villages.

• Civic Dialogue and Civic Action — NMCE encourages and models youth-led discussion and deliberate dialogue where youth identify their issues and concerns. Youth then partner with adults on concerns by making informed change and improvements actually happen.

• Empowerment —NMCE helps youth develop the skills and knowledge required to become more active citizens. NMCE engages youth in all phases of local and statewide projects and provides key experiences and opportunities for deeper insights into what is necessary to become active citizens. NMCE also provides spaces for youth to speak on their own behalf. Youth set the agenda and develop yearly action plans for their school or community group.

• Collaborative — NMCE strongly encourages collaboration between schools, universities, community organizations, and governmental units in planning and implementing all aspects of civic engagement initiatives. Including community partners helps build stronger connections within communities.

• Civic Storytelling — NMCE builds on the rich traditions of Indo-Hispano cultures by using storytelling as a tool to emphasize community experiences, civic participation, and youth involvement. These stories document NMCE activities by telling relevant stories about societal needs that exemplify how youth believe the issues underlying these stories should be addressed. Teachers and other adult partners contribute stories about how their involvement facilitates and supports youth civic engagement.