September 28, 2010

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—The New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism is sponsoring mini-grants and launching an essay contest for Make a Difference Day on October 23, 2010 continuing the "Season of Service" that began with the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The mini-grants will range from $500 to $2,000 and the competition will open to interested organizations around the state to support community-driven civic engagement activities as part of Make a Difference Day Saturday, October 23, 2010. Applications are available by visiting the Commission's website at www.newmexserve.org. The Make a Difference Day mini-grant application deadline is October 6, 2010.  Similar mini-grants were distributed to eight successful civic engagement projects for the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The civic engagement essay contest, with prizes to be announced, invites high school, middle school and elementary school students to talk with family members about voting and the importance of an individual’s participation in democracy. A convenient entry form is also available at www.newmexserve.org. The essay contest deadline is October 8, 2010.

"Our nation is more aware than ever of the importance of taking care of each other," said Greg Webb, Executive Director of the Commission. "We're proud to be able to carry this spirit throughout the whole season, including Make a Difference Day and leading into the holidays. We hope everyone can take part, either by applying for a grant, submitting an essay or participating in a Make a Difference Day projects."

Make a Difference Day is a national event and is the largest day of service in the country on Saturday, October 23, 2010.

New Mexicans have given nearly 6 million hours of service through volunteer programs, which nationally helped more than 4,000 nonprofit, faith-based, or community organizations last year. A recent Corporation for National Community Service report said New Mexicans as a whole give the equivalent of nearly $1.1 billion a year in volunteer hours.

New Mexico was also the first state to have a Blueprint for Community Engagement—a coordinated plan to increase volunteerism—a model which has been influential nationally in the service sector.

The New Mexico Commission for Community Volunteerism is appointed by the New Mexico Governor. Its mission is “to engage citizens of New Mexico of all ages and backgrounds in community based service to address the state’s human, educational, environmental, public safety, health, housing, and other needs.”

CONTACT:
Greg Webb, Executive Director, NM Commission for Community Volunteerism
(505) 841.4841
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