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

 
PROCLAMATION 7972--DEC. 22, 2005
Proclamation 7972 of December 22, 2005
National Mentoring Month, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Through countless acts of kindness, mentors across America are changing
our Nation for the better. Every child deserves the opportunity to
realize the promise of our country, and mentors show that a single soul
can make a difference in a young person's life. During National
Mentoring Month, we recognize the many individuals who dedicate their
time, talents, and energy to help children develop character and
integrity.
Mentors are soldiers in the armies of compassion, sharing their time to
help provide a supportive example for a young person. Mentors help
children resist peer pressure, achieve results in school, stay off
drugs, and make the right choices. Many people become mentors because of
the impact of a mentor in their own lives, creating a chain of
compassion over the course of generations.
My Administration remains committed to promoting mentoring as an
opportunity to strengthen our country. Through the Helping America's

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Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, we will continue to
focus on identifying best practices and programs across this great
Nation that are changing lives for the better and helping young people
grow up to be responsible and successful adults.
In 2006, my Administration will support funding programs to mentor
children who have a parent in prison and for youth at risk of gang
influence and involvement. The Federal Government can also help local
communities by fostering communication between those who are running
successful programs and those who want to get involved. Americans can
find valuable mentoring opportunities in their hometown by visiting the
USA Freedom Corps website at www.USAFreedomCorps.gov or calling 1-877-
USACORP.
I appreciate the faith-based and community organizations and all those
dedicated to improving the lives of America's children through
mentoring. By showing love, support, and compassion, one person can make
a difference in the life of a child and help that child learn the
importance of serving a cause greater than self. The teachers, coaches,
religious leaders, relatives, and other caring adults who mentor
contribute to a culture of good citizenship. Their efforts strengthen
our country and demonstrate the great influence of one person's kindness
and its ability to touch a life.
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 2006 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 observe this month with
appropriate activities and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day
of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH