    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7636 of January 2, 2003

    National Mentoring Month, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Across our great Nation, many Americans are responding to the call to
    service by mentoring a child in need. By offering love, guidance, and
    encouragement, mentors put hope in children's hearts, and help ensure
    that young people realize their full potential. During National
    Mentoring Month, we recognize the vital contributions of dedicated men

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    tors, and we encourage more Americans to make a difference in the hearts
    and souls of our communities by volunteering their time to meet the
    needs of America's youth.
    Volunteers provide friendship and support to young people who are facing
    challenging situations, serve as positive role models, and help to
    instill important values, goals, and skills. Mentors help young
    Americans build confidence, gain knowledge, and develop the character
    necessary to make the right choices and achieve their dreams. Statistics
    show that at-risk children with mentors demonstrate improved academic
    performance and are less likely to be involved in destructive activities
    such as drugs, alcohol, and violence.
    During these extraordinary times, we are experiencing a growing culture
    of service, citizenship, and compassion in our country, with millions of
    Americans sacrificing for causes greater than self. Dedicated
    individuals are getting involved in mentoring through faith-based and
    community organizations, corporate initiatives, school-based programs,
    and many other outlets for kindness. By dedicating their time and their
    talents to offer a child a quality relationship with a caring adult,
    mentors strengthen our families and our communities and reflect the true
    spirit of America.
    Many Americans can point to individuals who influenced their lives and
    helped to shape them into who they are today. Whether they were
    teachers, coaches, relatives, clergy, or other community leaders, these
    positive role models have been critical to our healthy development and
    helped to instill purpose in our lives. As we honor these everyday
    heroes, we also recognize that there is a great need for more mentors in
    America. Too many children in our Nation are growing up without enough
    support and guidance in their lives, and we must work to ensure that no
    child is left behind.
    This month, I encourage all Americans to become a mentor and change the
    life of a child in need. In July, the National Mentoring Partnership
    helped establish the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network--the largest
    system in the Nation for matching individuals with volunteer
    opportunities. I am proud of this partnership and ask individuals to go
    online at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or call 1-877-USACORPS to find
    millions of ways to help children in their neighborhoods. Together, we
    can reaffirm the promise of America and point the way to a brighter
    future for all of our children.
    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 2003 as National
    Mentoring Month. I call upon the people of the United States to
    recognize the importance of being role models for our youth, to look for
    mentoring opportunities in their communities, and to celebrate this
    month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
    January, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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