For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 12, 2005
National Mentoring Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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