"We, the youth of Albuquerque, strive to promote healthy and positive lifestyles and decisions," begins the mission statement of Youth-POWER (Youth Promoting Our Wellness and Encouraging Resilience).

Youth-POWER is a group that originated from a focus group about youth resources in 2008 that sparked the realization that many young people didn't know where to go if they needed help with mental-health issues.

"The group decided that they should hold an event to share information with their peers. They became the force behind Youth Jam and Youth-POWER," the group's coordinator, Sarah Couch, said.

Youth Jam is an event featuring the creative talent of locals under the age of 25. "Youth Jam celebrates youth strengths and talents and promotes positive life choices and peer support," Couch said. After the first Youth Jam in May 2009, the organizers decided to continue and establish Youth-POWER.

"Youth-POWER focuses on youth sharing information with youth," Couch explained. "Additionally, they focus on youth empowerment, youth leadership, youth voice and how young people can learn how to advocate for themselves and their peers."

Recently Youth-POWER merged with an Arizona-based group with a similar mission called My LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment).

"It was an event to inspire youth in New Mexico," Greg Dicharry of My LIFE said.

My LIFE presented ideas that worked for their group to Youth-POWER. "They're definitely on the right track," Dicharry commented.

"My LIFE has helped Youth-POWER further develop its goals for the future by sharing what they are doing with us. We are grateful for My LIFE's experience and their willingness to work with New Mexico to help us strengthen our network of youth voice," Couch said.

Anyone under the age of 25 can become a member of Youth-POWER and adults who want to show support can also be involved in planning and events. Meetings are held in Albuquerque, and if you are interested in joining, contact Sarah Couch at 505-610-8295 or by e-mail at crabbiecake@gmail.com.

Emma Hamming-Green is a senior at The Academy for Technology and the Classics. You can reach her at happycamper156@hotmail.com.