[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE GREATER AWARENESS OF NEED FOR YOUTH 
     MENTORS AND INCREASED INVOLVEMENT WITH YOUTH THROUGH MENTORING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional 
Mentoring Caucus, I am pleased to join my colleagues today in 
supporting House Resolution 25. This important resolution commends 
those who contribute their time and talents to mentoring programs and 
supports efforts to promote greater awareness of the need for mentors. 
As we recognize National Mentoring Month, we should all celebrate the 
positive effects that mentors make in assuring brighter futures for 
young people.
  Children who have mentors have a better chance of succeeding and are 
more likely to make positive choices. Young girls who have supportive 
mentors can grow up to be confident and powerful women by learning to 
make healthy decisions at an early age. The GirlVenture program in my 
home state of Minnesota has successfully connected more than 500 youth 
and 100 girls and their mothers with mentors who help them prepare for 
the workforce, become financially competent and make healthy life 
choices. GirlVenture also offers classes to help parents, educators and 
youth workers instill future-focused values in finances, relationships 
and leadership.
  GirlVenture is just one example of the countless mentoring programs 
that are making a difference in the lives of young people. 
Unfortunately, there are far too many at-risk children who are on 
waiting lists, hoping to soon be matched with a caring mentor. 
According to the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, there are an 
estimated 75,000 young people who want and need an adult mentor in 
Minneapolis and St. Paul alone.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution to 
honor mentors and encourage others to give their time and guidance to a 
child. And I wish to commend those mentors who are currently helping to 
shape the lives of young people through mentoring.