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Supporting The Goals And Ideals Of National Mentoring Month 2007

Date: Jan. 22, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Minors and Children


SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH 2007 -- (House of Representatives - January 22, 2007)

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 29, which celebrates mentors who are positively impacting the lives of young people and highlights the need for additional mentors to make themselves available to America's youth.

I applaud Representative SUSAN DAVIS' continued efforts to draw attention and support to this very important issue, and I appreciate her dedicated leadership in this area.

Mentors give their time and energy to improve the lives of American young people who increasingly spend less time with concerned adult role models. According to the National Mentoring Institute, young people with mentors are roughly half as likely as those without mentors to begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol, and 50 percent less prone to absenteeism from school. The positive effects of mentoring also include the improvement of academic achievement, a reduction in violent behavior, and a higher self-esteem.

In December 2006, President Bush proclaimed January 2007 as National Mentoring Month, giving public recognition to mentors who serve as role models and provide quality involvement and interaction in the lives of America's youth.

As the President said, ``Through friendship and encouragement, mentors can help prepare young Americans for a hopeful future.'

By honoring mentors and mentoring programs, we recognize the importance of mentoring programs implemented in our local schools and communities. We also draw attention to the components of a quality program, including appropriate screening of potential mentors and careful matching of youth with adults who have a genuine interest in providing guidance and being exemplary role models.

Mentoring programs are varied and unique. They can be school-based or faith-based, and they may be established through community organizations or corporate initiatives. I encourage people across the country to take the time to discover what mentoring programs exist in their communities and see what they can do to help. Many volunteers are needed to meet the growing demand for mentors.

Again, I am pleased to recognize the important work of mentors and the quality mentoring programs, and I urge Members to support this resolution.

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