[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL MENTORING ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 5, 2007

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution recognizing and honoring those who make a difference in the 
lives of our young people across the United States.
  This January marks National Mentoring Month as proclaimed by the 
President of the United States. It is a month-long celebration honoring 
those who are mentors and drawing attention to the great need for more 
mentors.
  Mentors make a tremendous difference in the lives of our children. 
When a responsible and reliable adult becomes a mentor, the benefits to 
the mentee can last a lifetime. Countless stories show the great 
benefits of a good role model.
  Chris Moran became a mentor to Joshua Becerra in my hometown of San 
Diego through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when he was just 9 
years old in 1999. Chris and Joshua have gotten together on a weekly 
basis ever since for horseback riding, chess, and other activities. The 
relationship has been meaningful for both.
  Spending time with a young person gave Chris a healthier perspective 
on what is important in life--helping others, he said. Joshua, now a 
student at San Diego's High Tech High, is looking forward to attending 
college and has already visited UCLA, San Diego State University, and 
other campuses trying to decide where to apply. Joshua attributes his 
academic success in large part to his mentor.
  Joshua plans to study music when he goes on to college and would like 
to become a professional musician. Chris is helping him locate a 
college with an excellent music program.
  These types of relationships between reliable adults and our young 
people are invaluable. Millions of adults nationwide are acting as 
excellent role models while providing guidance and advice to our young 
people--many of whom face problems at home or difficulties at school. 
Without a good, solid role model, our kids are more likely to drop out 
of high school or to become involved with drugs or alcohol.
  Madam Speaker, this resolution honors and recognizes the adults 
across the United States who are mentors to our young people. This 
resolution also calls on more adults to become mentors to those in 
need.
  Unfortunately, research shows that about 15 million children across 
the United States are in need of a mentor and a good role model. It is 
crucial that we begin to reach these children.
  Finally, this resolution highlights the need to support programs that 
teach our young people about mentoring and the need to become involved. 
There are programs, for example, that encourage high school students to 
become mentors to younger children. These types of programs will teach 
the great benefits of mentoring at a young age and result in adults 
becoming mentors later--creating a ``cycle'' of mentoring.
  Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to offer a 
resolution honoring America's mentors on the occasion of National 
Mentoring Month 2007.

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