The Commission and its partners have identified the following priorities and goals as unique to the state and complementary to the national priorities identified by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

These priorities and goals support the mission and purpose of the Commission and are in line with New Mexico's core values on community service. All National Service programs in the state should address one of the identified priorities and serve to further the statewide goals.

1.  Ensure that all service projects and plans address the vision, themes and priorities of the Commission and its service partners, to include:

• At Risk Youth

• Literacy

• Lifelong Service

• Cultural Values

• Work Readiness

• Environment and Natural Resources Stewardship

• Low Performing Schools

2.  Ensure coordination of service projects in the state, including networking and collaboration within communities in New Mexico and nationally.
 

3.  Achieve public awareness of the Commission's mission and goals within the communities throughout New Mexico and nationally.
 

4.  Significantly improve and strengthen the infrastructure of Commission, its staff and service organizations throughout New Mexico.
 

			Core Values

The Commission began its planning process in August 1997 for the development of the Unified State Plan by bringing all Corporation supported programs and other traditional volunteer programs from around the state together to discuss the needs in New Mexico.

Participants met and formulated a set of core values for community service that were later revised in 2000 and 2002.  The following core values exemplify New Mexico's ethic of volunteerism and service:

• Promote programs that develop sustainable communities in which empowered citizens of all ages identify and address community needs through innovative responses, which enhance the quality of life.

• Community service and volunteerism are a way of life, a valued part of New Mexico's culture that is supported, recognized and celebrated.

• Active participation in public life is encouraged among New Mexicans of all ages, incomes and ethnic origins.

• Community service is a vital part of life, which enhances citizens' sense of individual and community responsibility while strengthening inter-cultural relations and celebrating cultural pride.

• Historically, New Mexico has enjoyed strong faith-based organizations that have been a vital source of volunteers. Through collaboration with these organizations the Commission can enhance its ability to envision, create and sustain problem solving efforts to address the many issues faced by communities around New Mexico.

• The threat of terrorism, both from within and abroad, is now a fact of life in communities around the country. New Mexico is no exception to this tragic fact and to maintain secure and safe communities will take the cooperation of all citizens working together to ensure our homeland security.