National Mentoring Month, 2006

Proclamation 7972 of December 22, 2005

National Mentoring Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Through countless acts of kindness, mentors across
America are changing our Nation for the better. Every
child deserves the opportunity to realize the promise
of our country, and mentors show that a single soul can
make a difference in a young person's life. During
National Mentoring Month, we recognize the many
individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and
energy to help children develop character and
integrity.

Mentors are soldiers in the armies of compassion,
sharing their time to help provide a supportive example
for a young person. Mentors help children resist peer
pressure, achieve results in school, stay off drugs,
and make the right choices. Many people become mentors
because of the impact of a mentor in their own lives,
creating a chain of compassion over the course of
generations.

My Administration remains committed to promoting
mentoring as an opportunity to strengthen our country.
Through the Helping America's Youth initiative, led by
First Lady Laura Bush, we will continue to focus on
identifying best practices and programs across this
great Nation that are changing lives for the better and
helping young people grow up to be responsible and
successful adults.

In 2006, my Administration will support funding
programs to mentor children who have a parent in prison
and for youth at risk of gang influence and
involvement. The Federal Government can also help local
communities by fostering communication between those
who are running successful programs and those who want
to get involved. Americans can find valuable mentoring
opportunities in their hometown by visiting the USA
Freedom Corps website at www.USAFreedomCorps.gov or
calling 1-877-USACORP.

I appreciate the faith-based and community
organizations and all those dedicated to improving the
lives of America's children through mentoring. By
showing love, support, and compassion, one person can
make a difference in the life of a child and help that
child learn the importance of serving a cause greater
than self. The teachers, coaches, religious leaders,
relatives, and other caring adults who mentor
contribute to a culture of good citizenship. Their
efforts strengthen our country and demonstrate the
great influence of one person's kindness and its
ability to touch a life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim January 2006 as National
Mentoring Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to recognize the importance of mentoring, to
look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their
communities, and to observe this month with appropriate
activities and programs.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B