[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 2 (Monday, January 13, 2003)]
[Pages 27-28]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7636--National Mentoring Month, 2003

 January 2, 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 
mentors, 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

[[Page 28]]

America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 7, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on January 
8. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.