[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8619--DEC. 21, 2010

Proclamation 8619 of December 21, 2010
National Mentoring Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Across our Nation, mentors steer our youth through challenging times and
support their journey into adulthood. During National Mentoring Month,
we honor these important individuals who unlock the potential and
nurture the talent of our country, and we encourage more Americans to
reach out and mentor young people in their community.
The dedication of mentors has helped countless young men and women
succeed when they might have otherwise fallen short of their full
potential. Mentors can provide a steady presence and share their
valuable knowledge and experiences. Even brief amounts of quality time
set aside by these compassionate adults can have a lasting impact on the
development of a child. Mentors can also support the lessons of parents
and teachers by encouraging students to complete their schoolwork and by
instilling enduring values of commitment and persistence. From coaches
to community leaders, tutors to trusted friends, mentors are working
with today's youth to develop tomorrow's leaders.
We know the difference that a responsible, caring adult can make in a
child's life. Effective mentoring programs can result in better school
attendance, positive student attitudes, and a reduced likelihood of
initiating drug and alcohol use. Across the Federal Government, we have
provided resources to expand mentoring opportunities for America's young
people. We are increasing mentoring efforts in Native American and rural
communities and are working to ensure our investments are coordinated,
effective, and focused on those most in need. To help build healthy
families and communities and provide our youth with strong role-models,
I launched the President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. First
Lady Michelle Obama and I have also established mentoring programs
within the White House, pairing staff with young men and women in the
Washington, D.C., area. For information and resources about mentoring
opportunities, I encourage all Americans to visit: www.Serve.gov/Mentor.
Many Americans have realized their promise because a mentor encouraged
them to reach for new heights and guided them along the path to
achievement. The contributions of these engaged adults extend beyond the
lives they touch and have a lasting impact that strengthens our country
and our future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2011 as
National Mentoring Month. I call upon all public officials, business and
community leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to
observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and
programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA