[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I speak in support of H. Res. 
29, in support of the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month 
2007.
  Mentoring is an extremely important responsibility. It provides our 
youth with positive role models and aspirations for children that might 
find themselves directionless and without motivation. The benefits of 
mentoring are unquestioned; it helps with a young adult's individual 
development, and also prepares the next generation for their role in 
our community. Needless to say, I am grateful for all the mentors I 
have had throughout the years.
  Some of the other wide ranging benefits of mentoring include 
improving relationships with parents, peers and teachers; staying 
motivated and focused on their education; facing daily challenges; 
exploring new careers and expanding their knowledge.
  Research shows that youth who are actively engaged in high quality 
mentoring relationships show improvement in the areas of self-esteem, 
academics, and social skills. Those with a strong mentor are more 
likely to graduate from high school and are less likely than their 
peers to engage in harmful behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse.
  In Eastern Washington, many organizations have undertaken this 
important task of mentoring. Inland NW Mentoring, based in Spokane, 
Washington, is a partnership of more than 20 organizations dedicated to 
a variety of mentoring services. This partnership is a collaboration of 
non-profits seeking ``to connect people who wish to volunteer their 
knowledge and experience as mentors.'' I applaud the dedication of this 
consortium to ensure that tomorrow's leaders are equipped and 
envisioned through mentoring relationships.
  Another institution that over the years provided structure and a 
goal-oriented education are the Boy Scouts of America. Specifically, in 
Eastern Washington there are more than 6,700 boy scouts in the Spokane 
area whose outstanding programs build character, leadership, 
citizenship and important life skills. The Scout leaders, volunteers 
and sponsors are making a positive impact on the leaders of tomorrow.
  We must also applaud everyone who participates in Children of 
Promise, an organization that offers positive role models for children 
who have incarcerated parents. Other important organizations such as 
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest ensure that kids 
in Eastern Washington have the friend they desperately need.
  I would also like to salute the Gonzaga University Campus Kids 
program, which collaborates with four community elementary schools to 
provide student mentors to 4th, 5th and 6th graders. It is good for our 
young adults to be a part of encouraging and supporting those young 
people coming after them.
  H. Res. 29 presents an opportunity to encourage more adults to invest 
in positive relationships with young people. It is an opportunity for 
us to say thank you to the many organizations who are already investing 
their time and energy to positively influence the next generation. 
Serving this next generation through mentoring will not only provide 
individual returns, but as a community and a society, we will see the 
lasting impacts of these important mentoring relationships.

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