January Is National Mentoring Month

In honor of National Mentoring Month, the Center for Community Partnerships, in collaboration with United Way of Madison County will hold a mentor sign-up at Anderson City Hall in the Mayor’s Conference Room (120 E 8^th St, room 501) on January 11, 2011 from 11-2 in the Mayor’s conference room.  Adults who sign-up to become a mentor on January 11 will be entered to win either 1 of 5 $100 Do It Best gift cards or 1 of 5 Pacers vs Nets Tickets, in addition to receiving a coupon for 2 meals at Arby's once paired with a youth.  A brown bag lunch will be provided by the city and Mayor Ockomon will attend along with other community partners and United Way staff.  The event is free and open to the public.

January marks the 10^th anniversary of National Mentoring Month (NMM), an annual campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for our youth.  This year's campaign focuses on mentoring as a strategy for boosting academic achievement and is spearheaded by the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

During President Obama’s proclamation designating January 2011 as National Mentoring Month, he 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."

Research shows that mentors can play important roles in boosting academic achievement and confidence while reducing drug abuse and youth violence.  Despite these positives, there aren’t enough mentors as there are young people who need them.  Today, an estimated 15 million young people are in need of an adult mentor.

You don’t need to be an expert to be a mentor, but you can be someone’s hero.  Share your experiences, listen, and show that you care.  Madison County youth need you.  Commit to one hour a week for one academic year and make a real difference in someone’s life. 

For more information about how you can become a mentor, please visit www.volunteermadisoncounty.org or call Daniel Wohlberg at 765-643-7493 or via e-mail at mentor@unitedwaymadisonco.org.