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January 2012 is the 11th annual National Mentoring Month
1/9/2012 12:35:11 PM
January 9, 2012 - President Barack Obama issued a proclamation designating January as National Mentoring Month, saying, "Every day, mentors help young Americans face the challenges of growing into adulthood. By setting a positive example and sharing their time, knowledge, and experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing our Nation's youth for a bright future. During National Mentoring Month, we celebrate the contributions of all those who cultivate a supportive environment for the next generation, and we recommit to expanding mentorship opportunities across our country."
January 2012 marks the 11th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, an annual media campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for young people. This year’s campaign slogan, “Invest in the Future, Mentor a Child,” focuses on mentoring as a strategy for boosting academic achievement and workforce readiness. In Minnesota, more than 270,000 young people could benefit from a mentoring relationship.
Events
“I Am a Mentor Day” - As a highlight of National Mentoring Month 2012, the first-ever social media event “I Am a Mentor Day” will take place on January 11. This one-day call to action invites mentors to post their stories on the event’s Facebook page and invite others in their network to join. Additionally, a badge has been created for all participating organizations and individuals to use on their Facebook page to show support of "I Am a Mentor Day."
Thank Your Mentor Day - Young people and adults around the country will take part in this national celebration on January 26 to say “Thank You” to their mentors for making a lasting impression on their lives. On that day, we ask all Minnesotans to thank and honor their mentors through the following actions: (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 and post it on the “I Am a Mentor Day” Facebook page.
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.
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.