Recognizing January 2025 as National Mentoring Month and honoring the contributions of Philadelphia's mentoring organizations.

WHEREAS, National Mentoring Month is celebrated annually in January to raise awareness of the invaluable role mentoring plays in guiding young people to achieve their potential and make positive contributions to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Mentors serve as role models, advocates, and supporters, fostering meaningful relationships that inspire personal and professional growth, improve academic performance, and encourage civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Mentoring relationships have proven to reduce risky behaviors among youth while promoting healthy decision-making, increasing confidence, and enhancing social-emotional well-being; and

WHEREAS, Thousands of young people in Philadelphia face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential, and mentoring offers a powerful tool to address challenges related to educational attainment, economic opportunity, and community safety; and

WHEREAS, Organizations across Philadelphia, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence, Philadelphia Youth Network, MENTOR Independence Region, and countless others, are dedicated to providing critical mentoring services that uplift and empower young people; and

WHEREAS, National Mentoring Month serves as an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of mentors, recognize the contributions of mentoring programs, and encourage more individuals to step forward and become mentors; and

WHEREAS, The theme for National Mentoring Month 2025,

“Mentor. Empower. Thrive.”

highlights the transformative impact of mentorship in creating a thriving community where all individuals can succeed; and

WHEREAS, Mentoring has the potential to create stronger communities, advance equity, and shape the next generation of leaders; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes January 2025 as National Mentoring Month in Philadelphia, honors, the contributions of mentors and mentoring organizations, and encourages all residents to celebrate and support mentorship in their communities.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to local mentoring organizations in recognition of their efforts to support and inspire young people in Philadelphia.

End