[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 494]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  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.
  I am honored to be joined by Congressman Mike Rogers of Michigan and 
Congresswoman Betty McCollum of Minnesota in introducing a resolution 
marking January of 2009 as National Mentoring Month as proclaimed by 
the President of the United States. National Mentoring Month celebrates 
and honors those who are mentors and draws 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 positive 
outcomes of a good role model.
  Quality mentoring 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.
  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 to give them a better 
future and hope. We are calling on more adults to rise to the occasion 
and to act as a role model to our children.
  Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to offer a 
resolution honoring America's mentors on the occasion of National 
Mentoring Month, 2009. I urge its quick passage.

                          ____________________