[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7861--JAN. 12, 2005
Proclamation 7861 of January 12, 2005
National Mentoring Month, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
All Americans are grateful for the special people who played a positive
role in their childhood. Whether a relative, teacher, coach, or
community leader, a dedicated mentor can profoundly change a young
person's life. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the role
models who have influenced lives, and we continue to support programs
that help the young people of America.
Mentoring programs pair a child in need with a caring adult who can help
that child understand the importance of making the right choices in
life. It is one of the best ways to send young people the right
messages. Through friendship and encouragement, mentors can help prepare
young Americans for a hopeful future.
My Administration has supported mentoring programs for young people at
risk. In August 2004, my Administration made available over $45 million
in grants to help provide mentors for children with parents in prison.
In addition, my Administration provided $48 million in school-based
grants in 2004 to provide at-risk youth with mentors to assist them in
the successful transition from elementary to secondary school.
One mentor can change a life forever. I encourage all of our citizens to
dedicate their time and talents to mentoring a young person. By
providing help and hope to our youth, mentors help foster a more
compassionate society that values every life and leaves no child behind.

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119 STAT. 3695

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 2005 as National
Mentoring Month. I call upon the people of the United States to
recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to
serve as mentors in their communities, and to celebrate this month with
appropriate activities and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
January, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH