National Mentoring Month, 2010

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 8470--National Mentoring Month, 2010

Proclamation 8471--National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention
Month, 2010

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8470 of January 4, 2010

National Mentoring Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, mentors in communities across our Nation
provide crucial support and guidance to young people.
Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing
catch, or just listening, these moments can have an
enormous, lasting effect on a child's life. During
National Mentoring Month, we recognize those who give
generously of themselves by mentoring young Americans.

As tutors, coaches, teachers, volunteers, and friends,
mentors commit their time and energy to kids who may
otherwise lack a positive, mature influence in their
lives. Their impact fulfills critical local needs that
often elude public services. Our government can build
better schools with more qualified teachers, but a
strong role model can motivate students to do their
homework. Lawmakers can put more police officers on our
streets and ensure our children have access to high-
quality health care, but the advice and example of a
trusted adult can keep kids out of harm's way. Mentors
are building a brighter future for our Nation by
helping our children grow into productive, engaged, and
responsible adults.

Many of us are fortunate to recall a role model from
our own adolescent years who pushed us to succeed or
pulled us back from making a poor decision. We carry
their wisdom with us throughout our lives, knowing the
unique and timeless gift of mentorship. During this
month, I encourage Americans to give back by mentoring
young people in their communities who may lack role
models, and pass that precious gift on to the next
generation.

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 2010 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
fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.