In an age of online interaction, political division, and social isolation, there’s something quietly radical about showing up in person—together, with our neighbors. New Mexico, like much of the country, has felt the fraying of community ties over the past few years. Trust in institutions is low. Families are under strain. Young people are looking for belonging in all the wrong places. We don’t just have policy problems—we have a relationship problem.
That’s why New Mexico needs to cultivate community again. Not just as a feel-good idea, but as a real solution to the cultural breakdown we’re witnessing. Strong communities form the backbone of healthy societies. They are where we learn to care for one another, solve problems together, and raise the next generation with shared values. When community thrives, people flourish. And when it withers, so do we.
Isolation isn’t just a private struggle—it has public consequences. Research shows that loneliness can be as damaging to our health as smoking. But beyond the individual impact, there’s something even more urgent at stake: our social fabric. We can’t expect to address New Mexico’s biggest challenges—from education to poverty to addiction—without strong, resilient networks of support. Government programs can only do so much. It's the community that carries us the rest of the way.
When we gather face-to-face, we rediscover our shared humanity. We remember what it means to belong. That kind of connection doesn’t just happen by accident—it has to be nurtured. It’s prioritizing time together, choosing face-to-face interactions over digital convenience, and showing up for one another not only in crisis, but in ordinary, everyday moments. And it starts with a simple decision to show up.
At New Mexico Family Action, we launched the Cultivating Community initiative—and its signature event, the Family Fun Festival—to help bridge the growing disconnect in our culture. Every summer, we bring together a mix of community organizations, local resources, food trucks, small businesses, and kid-friendly activities to create a welcoming space where families can connect, find support, and discover what’s available right here in Albuquerque. From addiction recovery and educational options to churches offering year-round connection, we’re standing in the gap to offer real hope and meaningful community—all in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere complete with games and exciting raffle prizes.
We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, July 12 for this year’s Family Fun Fest! It’s free to the public, and all the details are available at nmfam.org. Even if you’re not able to attend, we encourage you to find simple ways to cultivate community right where you are—whether it’s sharing a meal with a neighbor or reaching out to a family in need. Big change often begins with small acts of connection.
Let’s be a people who don’t just talk about community—but who live it.
Jodi Hendricks is the executive director of the New Mexico Family Action Movement.
