Lessons From the Border

Commissioner Debbie Robles wrote about her recent trip to Nogales, Arizona with fellow members Andres Cano, Abby Wells and Andrew Conlogue.

"On March 13, 2009, in Nogales, Arizona law enforcement partners, elected officials, community members, educators, and students, which included us, were able to attend the Youth On The Border Conference. We were taught about the realities confronting immigrant and repatriated children, and were able to attend workshops including: Teen Relationship Violence in the Age of Technology, The Law and its Implication for Underage Drinkers, and Youth and HIV/AIDS on the Border: Cultural Considerations for Treatment and Prevention. Christopher, Abby, Andrew, and myself attended the Teen Relationship Violence in the Age of Technology while Andres attended the HIV/ AIDS on the Border: Cultural Considerations for Treatment and preventions workshop. Various Presenters then spoke to the youth including: Sandy Bromly, who works as the coordinator of the New Mexico Domestic Violence Homicide Review Team, Jesse Medina who is a Rio Rico High School graduate from the class of 2008. Many inspiring presenters also spoke, such as Luis Valdez who is the founder and artistic director of the internationally renowned El Teatro Campesino. The session ended with youth presentations of issues such as Crossing the Line: The Dangers of Meth, and Alcohol and its Impact on Teens. The conference was an inspiring day full of lessons, and ended with great traditionally styled Mexican food at Frida’s Bed and Breakfast!" Commissioner Debbie Robles