New Mexico is full of amazing people and community organizations. Today the Daily Loco is going to take a few moments to recognize some of our friends: Humans of New Mexico, Dr. Annette Rodriguez and Learners Chess Academy.

Humans of New Mexico ( www.HumansofNewMexico.com )

For those of you who have not heard of Humans of New Mexico, I suggest that you take a moment to visit their site, follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook (they have already eclipsed 1000 likes!). They are a “Community project collecting oral histories from everyday New Mexicans.” I find it fascinating to read (or listen to) the stories of everyday people from our community. Everyone has a story to tell and Humans of New Mexico seeks “capture the complex issues that affect our communities and offer a platform to voice everyday practices of resistance to societal pressures.” This is an amazing project that deserves our support and recognition.

Dr. Annette Rodriguez

The Daily Loco would like to congratulate Dr. Rodriguez for winning the 2016 New Mexico Foundation for Open Government William S. Dixon First Amendment Freedom Award (Education). The award is given “to individuals and organizations that advance transparency in the areas of law, journalism, education, government and business.”

Dr. Rodriguez fought the administration of Northern New Mexico College by using the Open Meetings Act and the Inspection of Public Records Act to expose widespread corruption and poor management at the College. The information was published on The Northern New Mexico College Study Group blog and the Daily Loco.

Dr. Rodriguez is a true champion of the People and proved that she truly cares about the students of Northern New Mexico. Thank you for all that you do Dr. Rodriguez!

The Awards Lunch will be held at the Embassy Suites on October 5, 2016. Tickets are still available. Visit their website for more information or to purchase.

Learners Chess Academy

Where to begin? Learners Chess Academy is a community blessing. The organization was founded in 2010 by Victor Lopez and has grown into a non-profit organization that provides after-school programs and chess camps for youth in Albuquerque. Visit their website to learn more (www.learnerchess.org)

Learners Chess Academy has had an amazing year so far! Coach Victor was honored as a  White House as a Champion of Change. He (and Learners Chess Academy) is definitely deserving of such high praise.

In addition, the organization just launched Learners Without Borders. The project just recently sent a group of high school students (with coaches) to teach chess in El Salvador. What a great opportunity for those teenagers!

Most importantly, Learners Chess Academy provides Need-based Scholarships. Here is the statement from their site: “At Learners Chess Academy, we charge a fee, when we can, for many of our classes, camps and programs. But we also strive to bring the joy of learning chess to those who cannot afford it by offering need-based scholarships for our camps and after school programs.”

Please take a moment and visit their site to make a donation. Any amount can help a child learn chess and provide an enriching after school program and camp opportunity. DONATE (you will be redirected to their donation page)

Thank you taking the time to read about the amazing accomplishments of some of my friends. Albuquerque and New Mexico are full of amazing people and organizations that seek to build a better world. I am proud of you all and proud to be a New Mexican!