Title
Proclamation naming January 2009 as "National Mentoring Month" in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, January 2009 marks the launch of the National Mentoring Month campaign, with headliner General Colin L. Powell, bearing the theme, “Expand Your Universe. Mentor a Child”; and
WHEREAS, in honor of National Mentoring Month, The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania is challenging local adults to improve the lives of our youth by volunteering to serve as mentors; and
WHEREAS, The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania through their collaborative work creates new mentoring programs, improves existing programs, helps recruit and refer mentors to local organizations, and most importantly, connects at-risk youth with quality mentoring programs; and
WHEREAS, research has shown that programs that rely on volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing drug abuse and youth violence while greatly enhancing a young person's prospects for leading a health and productive life;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council hereby recognizes and commends The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania upon their continued commitment to the youth of our community and declares January 2009 as “National Mentoring Month” in Allegheny County.