This youth committee is a grassroots-led group of young people who came together to better their communities in the Northern Navajo area. They have spearheaded projects like: gathering wood for the elders during the winter, organizing a series of community training for family wellness, and creating a coalition to educate the community on substance abuse prevention. This Youth Committee is now made up of 20 Chapters in the Northern Agency of the Navajo Nation.

Daniel made a commitment to volunteer 20 hours per week, but in reality he often puts in 40-60 hours per week—mobilizing and training volunteers for health fairs, career fairs and many other community events. Some of his accomplishments include: Initiating a Red Cross Youth Club that is led by a young adult volunteer, revised the Red Cross website volunteer section to include an on-line application process, moving the office to a paperless operation. This remarkable young man does all of this as a single parent, and a full time student.

Fidelity launched a new nationwide strategic initiative, Fidelity at School—focused on helping at-risk middle school students achieve the foundational skills required to transition successfully to high school. Fidelity partners with Citizen Schools, to help extend the learning day; Teach for America, to improve teacher quality and effectiveness; and HandsOn Network to transform the learning environment of our most at-risk schools. Here are some numbers that show Fidelity’s commitment to New Mexico’s children: 36% of NM-based employees volunteered last year—that’s over 129 people, 25 organizations benefited from more than 40 projects or activities, they have the highest volunteer engagement among any corporate partner for Citizen Schools NM.

URENCO has shown their commitment to their community of Eunice in a variety of ways. In 2010 they raised over $30,000 for Relay for Life, and $175,000 for United Way of Lea and Andrews Counties. URENCO employees conduct science workshops for area 5th grade students, also providing scholarships for those wishing to pursue a career in math and science. They work with the City of Eunice and the Eunice Senior Citizen Center to assist seniors with home improvement repairs. URENCO USA employees actively engage in community service and philanthropy and illustrate the difference corporate volunteerism can make to a community.

After retiring from the IRS, Michael found a passion for gardening. He has been a master gardener for the past six years and it is through gardening that he began his journey with ARCA in Albuquerque. ARCA is a non-profit agency that provides services to over 500 people with developmental disabilities. Mike’s volunteering doesn’t stop when the harvesting ends with his gardeners from ARCA….He also volunteers at ARCA’s La Paloma Greenhouse and Scanlon Farm. The beautiful plants that Michael assists with are then sold to the public or given to donors as a token of appreciation.

Christine has been a Foster Grandparent Volunteer in Portales since 2004. She has made it her goal to assist students who are academically delayed. Christine tutors students who need assistance with language arts and math skills. She volunteers an average of 25 hours per week in a dual language classroom. She devotes additional hours to the RSVP Program visiting the local nursing home. Christine is always willing to help under any circumstances and goes above and beyond with any goals she sets for herself.

At the age of 90 Dorothy continues to serve as a volunteer at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM. For six years she has performed her duties in the gift shop and at the information desk with dignity and grace. Dorothy makes tray favors for the patients in the 106 bed hospital on special holidays, and crochets hats for the newborns and prayer shawls for the cancer patients. She visits those in the hospital, drives people to doctor appointments and other errands, and continues to be active in her church. Dorothy has accumulated over 7,000 volunteer hours and serves her community with a smile.

Adrian has shown a strong commitment to service, logging over 10,000 volunteer hours. He has served on the Youth Alliance, Student Senate at UNM, and is a founder of One Million Bones, as well as Co-President of Amnesty International. One great success for Adrian was his leadership in testifying and supporting legislation in 2010, which allows minors the opportunity to gain civic engagement experience as paid poll workers on Election Day. Adrian’s leadership and efforts inspire young people around New Mexico to recognize that they have a meaningful voice, and can volunteer in their own communities to make a difference.

People live in Pie Town New Mexico for a variety of reasons, but they all share one thing in common; they all rely on Dan Lee. Dan has been a member of the Pie Town Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years. In addition to his service with the fire department, Dan is the person the town turns to in times of loss. When families need a to lay a loved one to rest, Dan is the one who gets up early and digs the grave in the local cemetery, always free of charge. Many people volunteer by serving on boards, holding fundraisers, circulating petitions, and making speeches. Dan has done few of these things. Instead he has been down in the dirt and mud, crawling under buildings, and literally walking through fire to save lives and property. He is a hands-on public servant who has never asked for anything in return.

Judge Romero has spent his entire career helping and giving back to people. He is currently a District Court Judge, Therapeutic Court Judge, and Co-Chair of the New Mexico Supreme Court’s Court Improvement Project Commission. He sees people who come before him as special human beings, who should be given respect, time and understanding. They are not just another court case. Judge Romero is a Wings Ministry Board Member, providing guidance for families of prisoners. He has been on numerous boards and commissions, and has received many awards, including: the 2007 Spirit Advocacy Award from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and 2001 Lawyer of the Year Award from the Albuquerque Bar Association. In his spare time he is a foster parent, Boy Scout leader, and youth soccer referee.