NEW MEXICO AMIGOS Information

The New Mexico Amigos is a private, non-profit, non-partisan corporation chartered under the laws of the State of New Mexico and officially designated Goodwill Ambassadors for New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment. The Amigos is a unique organization in that it is not supported by public funds, is free to select its activities, and represents New Mexico as whole rather than a city or an area. Its members are distinguished New Mexico civic, business, industrial and professional leaders who devote time and financial support to the organization. An Amigo must be a leader in his or her community, a decision maker in his or her business, company or profession, and meet other rigid membership qualifications. The organization is limited to two hundred eighty active members and is governed by a Board of Directors headed by a President. The Amigos was formed in 1962 during the celebration of New Mexico's Golden Anniversary as a state. As a part of the celebration, eighty-five of New Mexico's leading citizens chartered an aircraft at their own expense and visited Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, New York, and Washington, D.C., to draw attention to New Mexico's fifty years as a State. As a result of the trip, a permanent organization was formed, a charter as a private corporation obtained and the Governor of New Mexico appointed the Amigos the Official Goodwill Ambassadors for New Mexico. Each year since 1962, except for 1970, the Amigos have chartered an aircraft and made trips to other states, Canada and Mexico to focus attention on New Mexico. The Governor of New Mexico accompanies the Amigos as a guest of the organization on these Goodwill Flights. In each city, arrangements are made for the Amigos to visit and exchange ideas with large groups of the city's prominent citizens. At luncheons and receptions the Governor of New Mexico addresses the local groups and, in turn, the local Governor and other leaders address the Amigos. While the annual Goodwill Flight attracts the most attention, the Amigos participate in many other activities to promote the state of New Mexico. Frequently they act as hosts for important groups visiting the state. They support the programs of other organizations that are acting in the interest of New Mexico.