Think New Mexico work on progressive policy reform in the New Mexico is impressive. Their thoughtful advocacy and improvements in education and healthcare reform will benefit New Mexicans for generations. I am very glad that you exist and will continue to support your work.
I was privileged to experience and contribute to Think New Mexico's impactful research and advocacy throughout my internship. I was constantly inspired by the ethics of the organization, which was centred on objective, positive impact on New Mexicans. We were not afraid to pick fights with powerful actors or challenge the way things have always been done. A very positive force fighting for change.
Think New Mexico’s recent efforts to get the New Mexico Work and Save Act passed is commendable and I can’t wait to see what they have in store in the future. New Mexicans need smart, evidence-based policymaking.
As an intern at Think New Mexico, I couldn't be more impressed with the work that the staff has done to research and promote sound, evidence-based policies to benefit all New Mexicans. The bipartisan nature of the nonprofit assures that Think New Mexico is always putting New Mexicans before party - which is desperately needed.
Think New Mexico is an incredible organization. As an intern, the staff gave me an extensive look into how law and policy shape our state. Working in a bipartisan environment pushed me to use my problem-solving skills and prioritize what is best for New Mexico as a whole. Interning here gave me hope that there really are creative, bipartisan solutions due to the accomplishments of Think New Mexico's past and the exciting ideas on the horizon.
Think New Mexico plays a crucial role in advancing and advocating for policies that will positively impact New Mexicans. From education to economic security to training the next generation of experts, TNM puts New Mexico and its people first. Bravo, Think!
As someone who interacts with the community regularly, one of the issues that comes up is food security. Think New Mexico has been steadfast in their efforts to keep the tax off of groceries and medicine which benefits those who need it the most.
Think New Mexico tackles some of the most important issues New Mexicans deal with. So happy they’re around and doing great work!
So grateful for Think New Mexico’s efforts to make this state a better place for all. They work tirelessly for New Mexicans and get great results.
Think New Mexico is a wonderful organization that does a lot of important work for everyday New Mexicans. As a recently graduated high schooler myself, I know how much of a difference the $9 million has made for my peers, who would not have had a chance to attend college otherwise. I can’t wait to see what else they do in the future!
Think New Mexico is an amazing organization that researches real problems and develops tangible, effective, and important solutions for New Mexicans. As a resident New Mexican it is extremely refreshing to see such an effective organization focused more on results and less on jumping through partisan hoops. A real connectedness to the area and people they are helping makes their initiative and policy uniquely useful to their target, rather than a one size fits all “solution”. I can’t wait to see what Think New Mexico does next!
Think New Mexico is an incredible organization that does the important work of researching and proposing policies to help New Mexicans. I was lucky enough to intern with them this summer, and I can confidently say that everyone on the staff works tirelessly every day to research solutions to the challenges that face New Mexicans. I have learned so much from this internship and from the passionate staff at Think New Mexico, and they have truly inspired me to pursue a career in public policy after I graduate!
Think New Mexico goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve New Mexicans. The staff is full of dedicated individuals that really care about the work the do and how they do it. They are not stopped by politics or ideology, they simply do what is best for New Mexico as a whole. I am lucky to have worked with this organization and done my part to help New Mexicans near and far.
Think New Mexico is an impactful organization with some of the best people!! After interning with them this summer, I can confidently say that the work they do for marginalized communities in New Mexico has a significant impact on our state. Their policy initiatives have yielded direct results, and they work tirelessly to ensure their policy reports are well-researched, thorough and include reasonable next steps. Each of the four members of the staff is so passionate about our state. They are incredibly approachable and love to answer any and all NM policy questions. I have learned SO much about New Mexico from my internship at Think New Mexico, and am so proud to be a New Mexican!
Think New Mexico does vitally important work on behalf of New Mexicans every day, with a tenacity that I have never seen before. Each year, Think NM focuses primarily on one major policy initiative mean to positively impact the lives of people throughout our state. That focus, and the drive of the people in the office to achieve a successful outcome, makes this organization incredibly effective at the work that they do. The time that they dedicate to improving the lives of New Mexicans, and to achieving results rather than promoting rhetoric or partisanship, is exactly what our state needs.
As a former intern of Think New Mexico, and lifelong resident of New Mexico, I can unequivocally state that this organization has had a tremendous impact on the quality of life in our state. Each member of the staff is driven by a unique passion for improving our state, and that passion has translated to a growing list of policy achievements at the local and state level. My internship with Think New Mexico has given me additional insight into the unique challenges facing our state, and has simultaneously reinforced my interest in pursuing a career dedicated to improving the quality of our state's public education system.
Think New Mexico truly cares about New Mexicans and our ability to live, work, go to school and thrive. Each legislative session, their dedicated staff is making sure that education, food security, water safety and funding transparency are prioritized. Think NM is now involved in an initiative to achieve retirement security for elders in NM. With organizations like Think NM, I know our future looks bright.
My name is Joseph Bridges and I have lived in New Mexico for over 20 years. I believe the work Think New Mexico engages in with our law makers and citizens like me is invaluable. Think New Mexico lobbies and advocates for issues that effect every-day New Mexicans, whether it is the Lottery fund, which provides money for college students or retirement reforms which effect our older population, they go to work with New Mexico citizens in mind. I donate and I encourage my fellow New Mexicans to support this organization, in any way they can, like the future of our state depends on it, because it does.
I’ve been a long-time supporter of Think New Mexico. I’ve always been impressed with their strategic approach to tackling some of New Mexico’s most important policy issues, and with their focus on and commitment to the campaigns they undertake. Definitely the best bang for your buck to help New Mexico take common sense policy steps to address critical problems facing the state.
I’m grateful to have personally met some of the staff at Think New Mexico. They have a gold heart and dedicated focus on the best interest of the New Mexican people. I’ve witnessed their involvement in sharing hope with the community and providing resources to families with deep needs. I recommend their cause to any family searching for the betterment of their family future and legacy.
Think New Mexico is doing more for the state than any non-profit organization I've been lucky enough to work with. The research done here is truly non-partisan and focuses on improving the lives of the people in my community. The reports are smart and engaging, and they have a track record of actually being able to accomplish many of the policies they have set out to pass. I am grateful personally for their work on the food tax and on education in New Mexico, and I highly recommend this productive and hardworking think tank.
I was lucky enough to work as a summer intern at Think New Mexico. I have never encountered such a positive, hard-working, and organized work environment. The employees' dedication to making an impact on the lives of New Mexicans is unparalleled; their work is meticulously researched, incorporates as many perspectives as possible, and is at the forefront for bringing meaningful change to the state of New Mexico.
Think New Mexico directly tackles issues that have a direct affect on the lives of New Mexicans. Working as a summer leadership intern made me realize that much of the policy that gets signed by the governor can be the idea of one or few individuals looking to improve the lives of others. Think NM does this on a daily basis, and as a New Mexican I can’t thank them enough for their hard work and dedication to the people of this state.
Think NM is an organization that truly dedicates itself to improving the lives of the people they serve. The Think NM team's passion and dedication towards its mission of serving New Mexicans are nothing less than awe-inspiring. Think NM does not only advocate and lobby for good public policy, but the organization also works hard to educate the public and bring attention to critical issues as well. Additionally, the organization dedicates its resources to exploring and researching these critical issues in order to come up with solutions to solve them. During my time working at the think tank, I was in awe of the enthusiasm the team has for their work, and I am tremendously grateful to have the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the extraordinary work that they do.
I was a leadership intern with Think NM during the last legislative session and to me they set the standard for care, expertise, and ambition in New Mexico's state policy circles. I am more excited about the future of my state, knowing that there are people like Fred, Kristina, and Othiamba drawing attention to important issues which might otherwise be overlooked. I was initially skeptical about the organization's official dedication to nonpartisanship, however my time there convinced me that it is a strength--it allows them to speak up for the public interest in all political seasons, and ultimately makes for more durable reforms.
Think New Mexico is exactly the kind of organization we need in this state to help our citizens. As someone who works closely with NM youth I know that TNM is working hard to ensure that their futures are in good hands. The staff are competent and compassionate, which is exactly what I look for in an organization that makes waves of positive change. I fully support all the efforts of Think New Mexico!
The staff at think New Mexico work tirelessly to address issues that make a meaningful impact to New Mexicans. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making New Mexico a better place for all!
Think New Mexico is a fantastic nonprofit organization that truly cares about positive change for the people. Even though it is a small outfit, I have personally met with each of the members of Think New Mexico and find them to be an incredibly honest, caring, and bright group that has a clear goal and message. That message is to give a voice to the hope that all members of this beautiful, sunshine and chile state have. The hope that we are building and growing towards a better and brighter future where everyone has a chance for education and to thrive. Think New Mexico has this vision and I support them totally!
Think New Mexico does excellent work. I'm continually impressed by how much such a small organization has accomplished over its 19-year (and counting) tenure, although after witnessing the dedication of the staff, it's evident why this is the case. I've been working for Think New Mexico as an intern this fall, and am grateful for all the things I am learning about my home state and the legislative process. The staff has also been very helpful and welcoming. Overall an accomplished and impressive organization, and I'm looking forward to following their work in the future.
Think New Mexico is a high-performing nonprofit public advocacy group in NM that has had a tremendous bit of success in proposing, advancing, and ultimately overseeing the enactment of a number of policy reforms in NM over the last 19 years.
I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with the people at Think New Mexico over the last couple months. I am very confident that they will continue to do great work for the state of New Mexico in the coming years.
Think New Mexico's mission is to make our home state better. Every year, they produce detailed reports and draft meaningful legislation. They also teach young New Mexicans about the legislation process and research process. Many of these interns come back to serve New Mexico. I had the privilege of interning with them and it was a life changing experience.
Think New Mexico is an amazing organization that fights to promote bipartisan, common sense reforms that benefit New Mexicans. The staff and board members are some of the most talented, hard-working, passionate people I have ever met. I can think of nobody I would rather have fighting for my state than this group.
AMAZING organization! Truly the "good guys" of New Mexico working diligently to provide a better state for all! A testimony that the heart of a few can do mighty things when focused and passionate!
Think New Mexico is as independent, fact-based, and results oriented as it claims to be. Employees, board members, and everyone I have met who is associated with TNM are working for the honest and feasible solutions to New Mexico's largest problems. I am so glad that Think New Mexico is here to advocate for the many different meaningful issues that they advocate for, and I am excited to keep up with their efforts in years to come!
Think NM is a small office but the passion and dedication with which every member of the team approaches their work is admirable. The Think NM team cares about changing state policies to improve the lives of all NM constituents. Their ideas and recommendations show an impressive attention to detail and a genuine willingness to work towards creative solutions for difficult problems.
Their report on improving schools by moving money from administration and putting more into the classroom is excellent work. Keep it up!
With their sound research and strategic advocacy, Think New Mexico makes lasting positive impacts on the state for the people of New Mexico.
I want to thank the Team at Think New Mexico, for their unabridged work and exposure on controversial topics that press hard on New Mexicans all over the state. The importance of the work performed by this team is immeasurable, for they are a voice, eyes and ears of many many citizens of our community. I commend especially Mr. Othiamba Umi, for spending countless hours writing about truth and what is best for citizens of this state.
Cheers and much Success!!
Noe Quinones
Patient Monitoring Solutions Network Design Specialist
So very honored to be a part of this organization and all that encompasses! Amazing group of folks who truly desire to see positive, appropriate and mindful change for everyone in The Land of Enchantment! All states should be so lucky to have a group as Think New Mexico!
I interned here at ThinkNM over this summer. Working with their team on public policy research has enabled me to make a positive impact on my home state. I'm really glad that ThinkNM is here, focusing on basic, well-researched data-based reforms that have maximal impact on the people of New Mexico. They've been instrumental in repealing the food tax (and preventing its reinstatement), ensuring 30% of lottery revenues go to college tuition for New Mexico students, and increasing healthcare cost transparency.
Being a part of the Think New Mexico team for six weeks was motivational and enlightening. The staff work diligently to identify areas of needed improvement in the state of New Mexico. They then tirelessly research every angle of the problem to come up with a well-constructed solution. They leave no stone unturned. It was an honor to play a small part in the effort this summer.
I spent six weeks this summer working as an intern for Think New Mexico, and it was a pleasure to work for such talented, driven, and passionate individuals. Think NM works scrupulously to address the issues that are most important to New Mexicans’s lives and helps inform both citizens and policymakers alike. Even more notable is that their hard work has produced tangible results. The internship experience with Think NM was invaluable, and the organization must be commended for providing such an opportunity to New Mexican students. Think NM has made an impact not only on my life, but the lives of many across the state, which truly reflects upon their mission as an organization.
Think New Mexico is an amazing organization. After working in the office for 6 weeks as a summer intern, I have seen first hand how hard each member of the team works to make New Mexico better through pragmatic and bi-partisan policy solutions. I am excited to see the impact that this fantastic non-profit will continue to have on the well-being on New Mexico.
I worked as an intern with Think New Mexico during my senior year of high school and the first aspect that struck me was the clear passion the staff has for their mission of improving the lives of the citizens of New Mexico. During my time here, I have learned so much about state policy and some of the issues our state faces. More importantly, however, I have learned firsthand just how much good a small group of determined citizens can truly accomplish on behalf of the public good. The work that Think New Mexico does is truly inspiring.
The staff at Think New Mexico are innovative, insightful, proficient, and visionary. Their services are invaluable to New Mexicans and are an important resource for lawmakers and citizens alike. I cannot recommend them enough.
Excellent organization that advocates and is constantly representing the disadvantaged. Thank you for your hard work and please keep up the good fight!
My community was introduced to Think New Mexico when our local school board voted to close our "Blue Ribbon" awarded winning school and incorporate it into the adjacent community school miles away.
Think New Mexico supported our small school community through their representation, speaking on our behalf, research/data, editorial opinions, advise and suggestions to help us in our conflict, but most of all with their constant encouragement to not give up.
Recently, four years later, after much turmoil, the school board retracted their decision and our school remains open.
Thank you, Think New Mexico staff, for being a small school advocate.
Think New Mexico works tirelessly to help increase the quality of life for all New Mexicans. Their non-partisan approach to issues allows them to view issues objectively and research solutions based on what will work rather than a predetermined notion of what should be done. It is that evidence based approach that allows Think New Mexico to advocate so effectively for the citizens they serve.
Think New Mexico is always looking for innovative ways to make a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans - from making healthcare costs and quality ratings more transparent, to ensuring that the lottery continues to benefit students who rely on scholarships. I appreciate the diligent work that Think NM does for our state!
Think New Mexico is amazing! I have a leadership cohort scholarship that wants to get more involved in NM concerns and issues. Othiamba was amazing when he came and spoke to the cohort. The information was valuable and the students have become more engaged in issues that are happening to New Mexicans. Their quality of care to do outreach and educate is something to value and appreciate as New Mexicans.
I interned at Think New Mexico this past summer and it was a great experience. Not only did I learn a lot about public policy but the people who work there are all very friendly and passionate about the work they do. It creates a great environment to work in and I learned how to do research on current issues around the state. The policy papers Think produces are very informative and helpful to the general public.
Think New Mexico has done a magnificent job in fighting for causes that will help New Mexicans, such as in Lottery Reform and improving the current Capital Outlay system. From my experience with TNM in working with them, there has always been an emphasis on having Quantitative Research to support any type of policy that TNM advocates for. Besides that, the core group of individuals at TNM are hard-working and dedicated in fighting for causes, and that really does inspire others, like myself, to fight for my own causes as well.
Think New Mexico produces quality research reports that are respected by the legislature and other government bodies, as well as the public. Think NM's work is truly factual, and based not on politics or affiliations, but on issues that harm New Mexico and how to fix them.
I am a current Intern at Think New Mexico and the passion, dedication and determination the TNM staff has towards developing sound policies in the state is very contagious! TNM has been addressing very important issues in the state with an unbiased perspective. The work conducted at the organization is very solution-oriented and research-based. Cognizant of the results attained so far, TNM seems to be an effective advocate for the citizens of New Mexico.
For example, I was recently assisting the staff in conducting research regarding the NM Lottery. We not only studied the Lottery and its revenues/payouts in New Mexico, but we also researched the inner-workings of lotteries in other states so that we had the full picture before reaching any conclusions. I thought that was an excellent initial approach to developing proposals.
With a month left to complete the internship, I’m really looking forward to learning a lot more about state government and also about what a well-functioning government should look like. It is very encouraging to be in an environment where change is initiated.
I am a former summer intern with Think New Mexico. As someone who is currently in graduate school for public policy, I found TNM to be an exceptionally well run organization with strong values. The Director, Fred Nathan, works as hard as he did when he first began the organization. Everyone is friendly and dedicated to serving the citizens of New Mexico. And most importantly, TNM maintains the highest degree of professionalism when interacting with legislators, state agencies, non profits, journalists or members of the public. This truly was a wonderful place to work, and I am proud of my contribution to the organization and its mission.
I am currently an intern with Think NM, but I was excited about the work they were doing even before I started. Think NM tackles important issues with an eye towards actually implementing solutions, and has been very successful in doing so. The topics Think NM chooses to focus on each year are not always particularly "sexy" or exciting, but they are always issues that have a significant impact on the lives of many New Mexicans. I'm extremely proud (and lucky) to intern here, and I plan to stay connected and keep up with their work even after my internship is over.
As a former recipient of the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, I am grateful for Think New Mexico's success in getting a law passed that requires 30% of state lottery revenues go to student scholarships for college education. Having the lottery scholarship allowed me to focus on school and not have to worry about massive student load debt. With the news of the lottery scholarship struggling to fully fund the rising cost of tuition, Think New Mexico's ongoing fight to keep the 30% mandate in place is extremely important, especially in the interest of the lottery's intended statutory purpose; to maximize dollars for scholarships!
It's amazing how a small group of policy advocates can have such a huge positive impact on New Mexico by addressing some of the states most critical needs. I'm excited to see what they'll accomplish next!
A few years ago my frustration with local volunteer efforts (specifically, safety culture in rural volunteer fire departments, and enforcement practices at the state level) impelled me to learn more about the underlying politics of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC)...which led me to Think New Mexico's efforts at PRC reform.
Many may quip "you can't legislate common sense", but Think New Mexico's varied and diverse efforts just may be an exception to that old saying. Thank you!
A close friend, a Washington lawyer/power broker and a part-time Santa Fe resident, once told me he believed Think New Mexico should be a "blueprint" for good government think-tanks in every state in the union.
I agree.
Strictly and doggedly non-partisan, TNM researches and tackles issues that are in the interests of the citizens of New Mexico, not our elected officials. The ethics of this organization are beyond reproach, which is refreshing, commendable, and rare.
Without TNM and it's founder-director Fred Nation, things would be much different in the Land of Enchantment:
- We would have no full-day kindergarten
- We would have a food tax
- We would not have the strategic water reserve
- The PRC would still be running amok and cheating the residents of the state at every level
- There would be no Lottery Reform movement
- There would be no Title Insurance reform
Currently they are working on:
- Smaller Schools
- Health Care Affordability
- Protecting New Mexico's Lottery Scholarships
- Addressing the Jobs Crisis in New Mexico
- Ending Pay-To-Play Corruption
And so much more.
As a resident of this state for 23 years, I love New Mexico, but I loathe the politics. Both Democrats and Republicans seem to be hunkered down and entrenched in their own personal agendas, i.e.getting themselves (or their relatives) elected to preserve their stranglehold on The Roundhouse. Think New Mexico (and particularly Fred Nathan) holds their feet to the fire and forces them to work for the public good.
I urge you to support this organization any way you can.
Think New Mexico selects issues that benefit NM citizens politically and economically and then forges the bipartisan coalition to enact enabling legislation. New Mexicans are much better off because Think New Mexico 's staff and board are so attuned to what needs to happen to improve the quality of life in the State and is so effective.
Think New Mexico is one of the most effective non-profit organizations I have encountered that is committed to improving the way that state government serves all its people. The think tank’s success in achieving the concrete legislative results it seeks is thanks to its particularly thorough, principled, big-picture, non-ideological approach to issues of urgent public interest. A diverse, cross-partisan board and dynamic organizational structure—employing a small, talented staff and rotating cast of accomplished interns and volunteers—ensure the consistently high quality of the policy proposals Think New Mexico produces. And, importantly, the organization ensures that these well-researched proposals are not resigned to the desk-drawer graveyards of the political class, but earn their due attention, regularly contributing key perspectives toward productive solutions in such complex areas as education, poverty, natural resources, and bureaucratic corruption and reform. I am honored to have contributed modestly to help keep this organization doing its important work, and I raise a grateful voice on behalf of fellow New Mexicans for the ways it continues to positively affect our lives.
The Board and Staff of Think New Mexico are intelligent, motivated, and diligent in their aim to improve the lives of New Mexicans by addressing the difficult issues impacting our people. I am new to the board and am honored to be associated with the organization and the amazing people behind Think NM.
Think New Mexico has been an effective partner to work with particularly with all health-related legislation. They have the ability to organize and disseminate information in a timely manner because of their large network in the entire state. Because of Think New Mexico and its collaboration with other partners, we now have a transparent health care website where people can shop for health care plans based on pricing and quality. Thank you!
Think New Mexico does excellent research (which they clearly explain in lay terms in their detailed newsletters), works on a broad range of issues that affect all New Mexicans, and is uniquely effective in winning bipartisan support in the legislature. They have accomplished so much and never rest between sessions, always gearing up for the next problem to tackle and solve!
Think New Mexico takes on issues that both sides of the political spectrum would like to ignore. They make sure the questions that need to be answered continue to be asked.
I was an intern with Think New Mexico during the summer of 2010. More than anything, the internship introduced me to the intricate political environment of New Mexico. Through researching potential initiatives and being involved in everything from helping to compose letters to the editor to sitting in on relevant Legislative Committee meetings, I learned about the government process in a very realistic setting that could never be emulated in a classroom. Before the internship, I had very little knowledge of politics in NM, however, afterwards I felt on even footing (well, at least one step closer) to my parents who have been involved in state politics for twenty five years. TNM's internship actually made interns feel needed by fostering an inclusive and positive office environment. I would highly recommend TNM's internship to others interested in non-profit and political work in NM!
As a New Mexican living in New York City, I have found in Think New Mexico the best investment of my charitable dollars in terms of having a lasting impact on the residents and environment of my home state. Each time Think New Mexico takes on a new issue - lottery reform, water rights, school reform - I marvel at their ability to garner support across the political spectrum. I appreciate Think New Mexico's focus as an organization, sticking to the issues they have committed to, even when it means forgoing new, perhaps sexier, campaigns. The fact that they have managed so many policy successes with a shoe-string staff further attests to the efficiency of their organizational model.
I've had an amazing experience interning at Think New Mexico for the past two summers, during which I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that a dedicated non-profit can have on improving life for New Mexicans. It was very encouraging to work alongside a staff that truly and passionately cares about the well being of New Mexicans, and is willing to work so hard though research and advocacy to actually see results. In addition to the good work I’ve witnessed at Think New Mexico, I also gained substantial of experience as a student intern learning about how non-profits work and also getting a chance to do my own research and contribute my own ideas to initiatives and reports. Think New Mexico creates an atmosphere for interns and volunteers that promotes learning and gives New Mexicans a chance to see how we can make a difference.
I interned at Think New Mexico during the summer of 2010. As an intern, I did research on issues that the organization is currently focusing on as well as potential future topics. I also helped Think New Mexico with their fund raising and sat in on meetings with various political leaders in New Mexico. During my time at Think New Mexico, I was able to see and experience the impact that the organization has on the state. A goal-oriented think tank that doesn't get involved in partisan politics, Think New Mexico always has a bold approach to get their issues heard and accepted. Fred Nathan, Kristina Fisher, and the rest of the Think New Mexico staff are pragmatic, open-minded, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done. From its campaign against the passage of the food tax to its defense of small schools for all children in New Mexico, the organization fights every day for the well-being of New Mexicans.