Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 245 / Monday, December 27, 2010 / Presidential Documents 81083 

Proclamation 8619 of December 21, 2010 

National Mentoring Month, 2011 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

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. 

The dedication of mentors has helped countless young men and women 

succeed when they might have otherwise fallen short of their full potential. 

Mentors can provide a steady presence and share their valuable knowledge 

and experiences. Even brief amounts of quality time set aside by these 

compassionate adults can have a lasting impact on the development of 

a child. Mentors can also support the lessons of parents and teachers by 

encouraging students to complete their schoolwork and by instilling enduring 

values of commitment and persistence. From coaches to community leaders, 

tutors to trusted friends, mentors are working with today’s youth to develop 

tomorrow’s leaders. 

We know the difference that a responsible, caring adult can make in a 

child’s life. Effective mentoring programs can result in better school attendance, positive student attitudes, and a reduced likelihood of initiating drug 

and alcohol use. Across the Federal Government, we have provided resources 

to expand mentoring opportunities for America’s young people. We are 

increasing mentoring efforts in Native American and rural communities and 

are working to ensure our investments are coordinated, effective, and focused 

on those most in need. To help build healthy families and communities 

and provide our youth with strong role-models, I launched the President’s 

Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative. First Lady Michelle Obama and I have 

also established mentoring programs within the White House, pairing staff 

with young men and women in the Washington, D.C., area. For information 

and resources about mentoring opportunities, I encourage all Americans 

to visit: www.Serve.gov/Mentor. 

Many Americans have realized their promise because a mentor encouraged 

them to reach for new heights and guided them along the path to achievement. The contributions of these engaged adults extend beyond the lives 

they touch and have a lasting impact that strengthens our country and 

our future. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2011 as 

National Mentoring Month. I call upon all public officials, business and 

community leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to observe 

this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. 


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81084 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 245 / Monday, December 27, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first 

day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–32617 

Filed 12–23–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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