January 2011 is the 10th Annual National Mentoring Month

1/3/2011 4:02:00 PM

Newly Elected Governor Mark Dayton and President Obama Call on Americans to Become Mentors to Young People in Their Communities

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, January 4, 2011 – In his inaugural address on Monday, January 3, Governor Mark Dayton issued a call for all Minnesotans to volunteer, saying, "I ask you to remember that our state’s success is also your responsibility. I invite you to get involved in the betterment of your communities."  He listed mentoring as one important service opportunity.  To kick-off January as National Mentoring Month, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation and stated, “Across our Nation, mentors steer our youth through challenging times and support their journey into adulthood.  During National Mentoring Month, we honor these important individuals who unlock the potential and nurture the talent of our country, and we encourage more Americans to reach out and mentor young people in their community.”

In Minnesota, there are an estimated 265,000 at-risk young people who could benefit from an adult mentor.  Research has shown that volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence as well as boosting academic achievement.  Mentors help to build young people’s character and confidence and help them navigate a path to success. 

January 2011 marks the 10^th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, an annual media campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for young people.  This year’s campaign, “Help Them Get There, Become a Mentor” focuses on mentoring as a strategy for boosting academic achievement. 

As a highlight of National Mentoring Month 2011, Thank Your Mentor Day will be celebrated on January 25.  On that day, we ask everyone to do the following to thank and honor their mentors who encouraged and guided them, and had a lasting impact on their lives: (1) contact your mentor directly to express your appreciation; (2) pass on what you received by becoming a mentor to a young person in your community; and (3) write a tribute to your mentor for posting on WhoMentoredYou.org.

The statewide lead partner agency for National Mentoring Month in Minnesota is the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota.  Local campaign efforts this year will focus heavily on recognizing quality in Minnesota’s mentoring programs.

National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the President and the United States Congress.  In addition, General Colin L. Powell, a spokesperson for the campaign, is featured in a public service announcement (PSA) prepared for broadcast on television and radio and says, “Our nation's future depends on what we do today to prepare our young people for productive and fulfilling lives. All of us need to get involved to help kids stay focused and stay in school. We must become a nation of graduates. One way for you to help is to volunteer as a mentor.”  Other prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include:  Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Russell, the MythBusters and Usher.

For additional information about National Mentoring Month, visit www.mpmn.org or contact Mai-Anh Kapanke at mai-anh@mpmn.org or 612-370-9169.