National Mentoring Month, 2011

Proclamation 8619 of December 21, 2010

National Mentoring Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across our Nation, mentors steer our youth through
challenging times and support their journey into
adulthood. During National Mentoring Month, we honor
these important individuals who unlock the potential
and nurture the talent of our country, and we encourage
more Americans to reach out and mentor young people in
their community.

The dedication of mentors has helped countless young
men and women succeed when they might have otherwise
fallen short of their full potential. Mentors can
provide a steady presence and share their valuable
knowledge and experiences. Even brief amounts of
quality time set aside by these compassionate adults
can have a lasting impact on the development of a
child. Mentors can also support the lessons of parents
and teachers by encouraging students to complete their
schoolwork and by instilling enduring values of
commitment and persistence. From coaches to community
leaders, tutors to trusted friends, mentors are working
with today's youth to develop tomorrow's leaders.

We know the difference that a responsible, caring adult
can make in a child's life. Effective mentoring
programs can result in better school attendance,
positive student attitudes, and a reduced likelihood of
initiating drug and alcohol use. Across the Federal
Government, we have provided resources to expand
mentoring opportunities for America's young people. We
are increasing mentoring efforts in Native American and
rural communities and are working to ensure our
investments are coordinated, effective, and focused on
those most in need. To help build healthy families and
communities and provide our youth with strong role-
models, I launched the President's Fatherhood and
Mentoring Initiative. First Lady Michelle Obama and I
have also established mentoring programs within the
White House, pairing staff with young men and women in
the Washington, D.C., area. For information and
resources about mentoring opportunities, I encourage
all Americans to visit: www.Serve.gov/Mentor.

Many Americans have realized their promise because a
mentor encouraged them to reach for new heights and
guided them along the path to achievement. The
contributions of these engaged adults extend beyond the
lives they touch and have a lasting impact that
strengthens our country and our future.

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 2011 as
National Mentoring Month. I call upon all public
officials, business and community leaders, educators,
and Americans across the country to observe this month
with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord
two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.