National Mentoring Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8333 of December 30, 2008

National Mentoring Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the
millions of individuals who dedicate themselves to
making a difference in the lives of others, and we
underscore our commitment to supporting these soldiers
in America's armies of compassion.

Every day across our great Nation, men and women of
many different backgrounds work to inspire our next
generation of leaders. By sharing their time and
experiences, mentors help instill important values that
encourage America's youth to set high goals and achieve
their dreams. Mentors demonstrate that the strength of
our Nation lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens
and that a positive influence in someone's life helps
them secure a more hopeful future.

My Administration has been committed to building a
culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.
Through the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program,
volunteers help provide consistent guidance and support
so that these children can lead lives of opportunity
and achievement. The USA Freedom Corps is strengthening
mentoring opportunities in America and spreading a
message of hope across our Nation. The Helping
America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura
Bush, motivates caring adults to connect with youth to
help them to grow up to be responsible and successful
adults. By working together, we can enrich the lives of
our next generation and continue a legacy of kindness
and encouragement.

I appreciate our Nation's mentors and all those who
contribute to their community by helping to change a
child's life. For more information on volunteering to
be a mentor, visit volunteer.gov. During National
Mentoring Month, we honor the many Americans who have
touched the lives of others with their compassion, and
we reflect on their efforts toward building a stronger
and brighter future for all.

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 2009 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
thirtieth day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.