Proclaiming January 2009 as "National Mentoring Month".

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of January 2009 as “National Mentoring Month

.”

WHEREAS

,

National Mentoring Month

highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives; 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, while mentoring programs can provide the link to this support, programs need volunteers to close the gap; and

WHEREAS

, We encourage you to think of the mentors in your life—a team coach, teacher, concerned neighbor, or another caring adult—and take a few minutes to thank them and then consider becoming a mentor yourself; and

WHEREAS

, Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee; and

WHEREAS

, A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example; and

WHEREAS

, All young people have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive; and

WHEREAS

, Organizations, too, can have a tremendous impact on young lives by sponsoring mentoring programs; and

WHEREAS

,

"Thank Your Mentor Day™"

– January 22, 2009 marked the fifth annual "Thank Your Mentor Day™," which many mentoring programs selected as a day of volunteer recognition.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, By the City Council of Philadelphia that the Month of January 2009, shall be declared “National Mentoring Month” in Philadelphia.

End