For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 2, 2003
National Mentoring Month, 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 America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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