[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 51 (Monday, December 26, 2005)]
[Pages 1909-1910]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7972--National Mentoring Month, 2006

 December 22, 2005

 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 
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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:32 a.m., December 27, 
2005]

[[Page 1910]]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
December 28.