[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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