Proclaiming January 2008 as "National Mentoring Month".

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of January 2008 as “National Mentoring Month” in Philadelphia and calls upon all citizens of Philadelphia to recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities, and to observe this month with the appropriate activities and programs.

WHEREAS

, National Mentoring Month highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Services, the first ever NMM was held January 2002; and

WHEREAS

, This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people; and

WHEREAS

, Too many young people do not have a caring adult mentor to provide encouragement and support; mentoring programs can provide the link to this support; but programs need volunteers to close the gap; and

WHEREAS

, By sharing their knowledge and experiences, mentors serve as examples for young people and help teach them the skills they need to succeed in life. They also provide stability, instill important values, and build confidence in those they assist; and

WHEREAS

, By encouraging Philadelphians to mentor, we are doing our part to see that more of Philadelphia's children grow into strong, confident, and successful adults; and

WHEREAS

, To raise awareness of the challenges facing our youth and encourage adults to connect with young people through family, school, and community; and

WHEREAS

, The City Council of Philadelphia urges all Philadelphian’s to get involved in mentoring programs and to visit the USA Freedom Corps website at volunteer.gov to learn more about mentoring opportunities in their communities. Together, we can build a culture of service and foster a more compassionate society that recognizes the value and purpose in every single human life.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the City Council of Philadelphia that the Month of January 2008, be declared “National Mentoring Month” in Philadelphia and further calls upon all citizens of Philadelphia 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.

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