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PRESIDENT OBAMA PROCLAIMS JANUARY 2012 AS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

President Encourages Adults to Make an Investment in our Nation's Future by Mentoring a Child

BOSTON, MA, December 29, 2011 -- President Barack Obama issued a proclamation yesterday designating January 2012 as National Mentoring Month.  He stated, “By lending a hand and serving as a mentor, countless individuals have empowered young Americans with the confidence, inspiration, and tools to lead rich and fulfilling lives.  This month, I encourage adults to make an investment in our Nation's future by helping a child discover the best in themselves.”

January 2012 will mark the 11th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, an annual media campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for young people.  Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, this year’s campaign focuses on mentoring as an investment opportunity for adults to make in the youth of America's future.  The campaign’s tagline is “Invest in the Future. Mentor a Child.”

General Colin L. Powell, a spokesperson for the campaign, is featured in a public service announcement (PSA) prepared for broadcast on television and radio.  In the PSA, General Powell states, “Our nation’s future success depends on how well we prepare our young people to thrive in a highly competitive world. You can play an important role in helping a young person achieve success by volunteering as a mentor.” 

Research has shown that volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence as well as boosting academic achievement.  Mentors help to build young people’s character and confidence, expand their universe, and help them navigate a path to success.

Despite these benefits, however, the gap between the number of mentors and the number of young people who need a mentor continues to grow.  Today, 15 million young people need a caring adult mentor in their lives.

As a highlight of National Mentoring Month 2012, Thank Your Mentor Day will be celebrated on January 26th.  On that day, many Americans will reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encouraged and guided them and had a lasting impact on their lives.  Thank Your Mentor Day promotes three ways to honor your mentor: (1) contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation; (2) pass on what you received by becoming a mentor to a young person in your community; and (3) write a tribute to your mentor for posting on WhoMentoredYou.org.

In addition to its national focus, the campaign includes a heavy emphasis on local communities, and is intended to energize and empower community and statewide mentoring initiatives as well as encourage planning and coordination among mentoring groups.

In communities across the country, designated nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are responsible for coordinating local campaign activities, including media outreach and volunteer recruitment. These local lead partners include state and local affiliates of MENTOR, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Points of Light Institute and HandsOn Network, America's Promise Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Communities In Schools, and United Way of America.

Local activities range from telethons and media appearances to mentor/mentee game days, basketball tournaments, concerts, walk-a-thons, movie and museum days, and recognition events to honor outstanding mentors.

Each year since its launch in 2002, National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the President and the United States Congress.  Other prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include:  Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Russell, and Usher.

For additional information about National Mentoring Month, visit WWW.SERVE.GOV/MENTOR.

Thank Your Mentor Day™ is an initiative of the Harvard School of Public Health.

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