National Mentoring Month, 2005

Proclamation 7861 of January 12, 2005

National Mentoring Month, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

All Americans are grateful for the special people who
played a positive role in their childhood. Whether a
relative, teacher, coach, or community leader, a
dedicated mentor can profoundly change a young person's
life. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the
role models who have influenced lives, and we continue
to support programs that help the young people of
America.

Mentoring programs pair a child in need with a caring
adult who can help that child understand the importance
of making the right choices in life. It is one of the
best ways to send young people the right messages.
Through friendship and encouragement, mentors can help
prepare young Americans for a hopeful future.

My Administration has supported mentoring programs for
young people at risk. In August 2004, my Administration
made available over $45 million in grants to help
provide mentors for children with parents in prison. In
addition, my Administration provided $48 million in
school-based grants in 2004 to provide at-risk youth
with mentors to assist them in the successful
transition from elementary to secondary school.

One mentor can change a life forever. I encourage all
of our citizens to dedicate their time and talents to
mentoring a young person. By providing help and hope to
our youth, mentors help foster a more compassionate
society that values every life and leaves no child
behind.

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 2005 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 celebrate this month with
appropriate activities and programs.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B