By Lt. Gov. Diane D. Denish
N.M. Commission for Community Volunteerism
César Chávez blazed his way into the history books of the West and Southwest— but not in the typical lawmen-vs.-outlaws' manner of yore.
A man of peace, Chávez earned his legendary status by working tirelessly to improve the living conditions of farm workers, who toiled in poverty while feeding all of America.
His selfless spirit lives today in the thousands of New Mexicans who dedicate time and effort to serving others in their communities.
On March 28 and 29, my office, through the New Mexico Commission on Community Volunteerism, is asking you to do your part. We're sponsoring a volunteer "Day of Service and Learning" and asking that you take at least one of those days to honor Chávez in a way that truly befits New Mexico.
By the time Chávez died in 1993, he had carved an indelible reputation as a ground-breaking civil-rights worker.
In that same way, we're calling on New Mexicans to remember Chávez by giving their hands, hearts and voices to those who might otherwise have none.
As Chávez once said: "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. ... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."
Plans are already in the works. On March 28 and 29, people from across New Mexico— from cities and small towns, mountains and high plains— will fan out to give their time and effort to a wide range of nonprofit groups. Among them:
At the "Dragon Farm" at the South Valley Academy, 3426 Blake Rd. S.W., volunteers will build a sunshade for students who are learning about sustainable organic farming.
At the New Mexico Forum for Youth In Community, 924 Park Ave. S.W., Suite D, other volunteers will assemble emergency-preparedness kits for seniors living in Hatch, which was not long ago devastated by flooding.
This is vital work, and volunteer hours make the difference.
If you have never volunteered before, this will give you a unique chance to experience the joy that comes with giving back. It's also a great opportunity to get out, meet your neighbors and become more active.
You'll know that you're helping to build New Mexico the old-fashioned way: by pitching in to help our friends and neighbors just as all of us have been helped at one time or another. Get your whole family to join in. You'll give them a hands-on lesson about preserving our past and preparing for our future.
The Day of Service event is part of our larger effort to create more volunteer opportunities for all New Mexicans and to encourage everyone to take just a few hours to try to make a difference.
To get involved with the Day of Service, go to the Web site (www.newmexserve.org) or call Mike Garcia, AmeriCorps-VISTA Project Director, at The New Mexico Forum for Youth in Community at (505) 821-3574.
opinion 
...go to bookmarks
E-mail Story
Print Friendly
