Task Force

The Task Force for New Mexico Youth & Government is an opportunity for delegates to investigate a complex issue and make a recommendation to their Youth Government leading into the annual high school conference. This group will collaborate virtually on researching and developing a legislative solution on a single issue.

Task Force is open to any Youth & Government delegate in grades 8-12. This opportunity is especially recommended for 8th graders, freshman, first year students, and/or students who seek more support and guidance in selecting a branch for the annual high school state conference. The Task Force will conclude before the start of the high school state conference, and participants will select another branch to participate during conference (8th graders selected to attend the high school state conference must participate in the 8th grade Page Program).

Student Leaders: State Auditor, Commissioner of Public Lands, and State Treasurer, as elected by the delegates of the New Mexico Youth & Government program.

Timeline: The task force will commence in November/December and conclude at the annual spring YAGreat Night! (March). If any legislative action is recommended by the task force, the resulting bill will be introduced during the high school State Conference by the student leaders or designated task force members.

The task force will require students to fill roles such as:

Researchers who will review public record, litigation, academic study, or other sources for evidence regarding the issue at hand.
Investigators who will interview subject matter experts and/or members of the public regarding the issue at hand.
Lead Debaters who will organize the arguments and present from multiple sides of the issue (depending on the issue, could be 2 or more perspectives).
Drafters who will write the recommendation of the task force and draft any recommended legislation.
Media Representatives who will report on the task force issue, activities, findings, and outcomes.

2024-2025 Task Force | Description of Issue

New Mexico has the third highest recidivism rate in the United States, and the prison population has been steadily increasing for decades. Current legislation has proven inadequate to address the increasing crime and high re-offending rates in our state, oftentimes giving harsher punishment to people in lower social standing. The Youth Governor, perceiving central action as necessary, has convened this task force to address the failing criminal justice system in the state of New Mexico.

2024-2025 Task Force Dates

Kickoff: Sunday, January 12, 5:30 - 7 pm
Research Sharing Meeting: Saturday, February 1, 5:30 - 7 pm
Interview Meeting: Sunday, February 9, 5:30 - 7 pm
Debate Meeting: Saturday, February 22, 5:30 - 7 pm
Drafting/Presentation Meeting: Saturday, March 15, 5:30 - 7 pm