President Obama declares January National Mentoring Month

Hi everyone - In case you didn't see this news item yet, today President Obama officially declared January as National Mentoring Month. Of course we all know that this month is dedicated to mentoring, but if you are working with local news media, government, or other organizations to promote mentoring this month it may be helpful to have his proclamation handy. Many organizations print copies to post or to send out with press releases...

The proclamation, in part, reads: "Every day, mentors in communities across our Nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people. Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize those who give generously of themselves by mentoring young Americans.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2010 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon public officials, business and community leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs."

To see the full Presidential Proclamation, click here.

This is the ninth annual National Mentoring Month, which was established to spotlight the importance of mentors and mentoring. The effort is spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Media partners include: CBS, FOX, NBC, MTV, Comcast, Time Warner and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Remember too that there's a thread going in this forum with ideas for what to do during National Mentoring Month so be sure to check that out - and add your own ideas!