[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 2 (Monday, January 17, 2005)]
[Pages 51-52]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7861--National Mentoring Month, 2005

January 12, 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

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youth, mentors help foster a more compassionate society that values 
every life and leaves no child behind.
    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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 14, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
January 18.