[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 52 (Monday, January 5, 2009)]
[Pages 1589-1590]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8333--National Mentoring Month, 2009

 December 30, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Mentoring Month, we recognize the millions of 
individuals who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives 
of others, and we underscore our commitment to supporting these soldiers 
in America's armies of compassion.
    Every day across our great Nation, men and women of many different 
backgrounds work to inspire our next generation of leaders. By sharing 
their time and experiences, mentors help instill important values that 
encourage America's youth to set high goals and achieve their dreams. 
Mentors demonstrate that the strength of our Nation lies in the hearts 
and souls of our citizens and that a positive influence in someone's 
life helps them secure a more hopeful future.
    My Administration has been committed to building a culture of 
service, citizenship, and responsibility. Through the Mentoring Children 
of Prisoners program, volunteers help provide consistent guidance and 
support so that these children can lead lives of opportunity and 
achievement. The USA Freedom Corps is strengthening mentoring 
opportunities in America and spreading a message of hope across our 
Nation. The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura 
Bush, motivates caring adults to connect with youth to help them to grow 
up to be responsible and successful adults. By working together, we can 
enrich the lives of our next generation and continue a legacy of 
kindness and encouragement.
    I appreciate our Nation's mentors and all those who contribute to 
their community by helping to change a child's life. For more 
information on volunteering to be a mentor, visit volunteer.gov. During 
National Mentoring Month, we honor the many Americans who have touched 
the lives of others with their compassion, and we reflect on their 
efforts toward building a stronger and brighter future for all.

[[Page 1590]]

    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 2009 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 thirtieth day 
of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 6, 
2009]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
January 7.