National Mentoring Month, 2012

Proclamation 8768 of December 28, 2011

National Mentoring Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, mentors help young Americans face the
challenges of growing into adulthood. By setting a
positive example and sharing their time, knowledge, and
experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing
our Nation's youth for a bright future. During National
Mentoring Month, we celebrate the contributions of all
those who cultivate a supportive environment for the
next generation, and we recommit to expanding
mentorship opportunities across our country.

At school and at home, in the library and on the field,
mentors lift our youth toward their goals and
ambitions. As a teacher, a relative, or a trusted
friend, a mentor's steady and dependable support can
inspire a child to strive for success and instill in
them the confidence to achieve their full potential.
Mentorship strengthens our American family, and by
teaching enduring values like diligence and self-
discipline, we make a powerful and lasting investment
in our youth, our communities, and our Nation.

Across the Federal Government, we are working to ensure
more young people have the opportunity to connect with
a mentor. Last January, we partnered with businesses
across America to launch the Corporate Mentoring
Challenge, which calls on corporations to begin or
expand mentoring programs that pair children with
positive role models, foster leadership skills, and put
them on the path to success in school and beyond. As
part of our steadfast commitment to support our service
members and their loved ones, we are funding new
mentorship opportunities for children from military
families. And we are continuing to engage faith and
community groups to help recruit mentors who can guide
our youth in education, employment, and engaged
citizenship. For information and resources about
mentoring opportunities, I encourage all Americans to
visit: www.Serve.gov/Mentor.

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.

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 2012 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.

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