Youth Civics Programs

Training students in citizenship skills is essential to our society. In partnership with local, state, federal and private organizations, the Institute of Public Law has produced many award-winning programs dedicated to helping students K-12 learn about law by facilitating youth participation in the democratic process. The compelling issues of alcoholism and drugs, DWI, domestic violence, law enforcement, racism and wildlife preservation have motivated students to define and research problems they care about, learn how laws are made, draft real legislation, meet lawmakers and other public officials, attend legislative sessions to support their issues, write letters, testify before legislative committees, and speak at press conferences and public meetings. In addition, students have created original artwork, dances, operas, plays, poetry, television news programs, documentaries, and videos to convey their concerns to the public and officials.

Youth Civics Programs Projects

DWI Newsletter for Schools
IPL provides a quarterly newsletter on DWI to all elementary and secondary schools in the state under a grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The newsletter is written for teachers and gives information on DWI and related topics, lesson plan ideas, suggested activities, and websites for further study.
DWI Newsletter for Schools
IPL provides a quarterly newsletter on DWI to all elementary and secondary schools in the state under a grant from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The newsletter is written for teachers and gives information on DWI and related topics, lesson plan ideas, suggested activities, and websites for further study.
Underage Drinking Seminars
Under a grant by the Children, Youth and Families Department, we provided a series of seminars for youth and adults on underage drinking. Students from all over the state came to listen to presentations on alcohol and the body, media literacy, dramatic re-enactments of fatal DWI crashes and similar presentations by experts in law, medicine and social services.
Wild Friends
IPL manages the Center for Wildlife Law Wild Friends program, which teaches students about the legislative process. Young people in grades 4-12 in schools around New Mexico vote by ballot to choose an issue of interest, learn about that topic and lawmaking, and draft a real memorial or bill. During the legislative session, students travel to the State Capitol to testify on behalf of their legislation.
Visit the Wild Friends Website
Wildfriends "How To" Manual
A Manual for Kids, Teachers, Volunteers and Others who are interested in starting Wildfriends at their school
Visit the Wildfriends "How To" Manual Website