Whereas, The health and educational well-being of children is the responsibility of all citizens, and not just that of one person alone; and,

Whereas, Recognizing the importance of young children’s needs is a requirement of all of our citizens; and,

Whereas, By strengthening our children through mentoring, we are building a stronger future for them, for our communities, and for our great state; and,

Whereas, The efforts of one citizen mentoring will help ensure that a child realizes their life has value, potential, and the hope for a bright future; and,

Whereas, Relationships with caring mentors offer youth valuable encouragement, motivation, and support to guide them in making positive choices; and,

Whereas, After-school mentoring programs, mentor coalitions, and public and private organizations throughout Michigan are committed to increasing the number of quality mentors statewide; and,

  Whereas, Thousands of Michigan youth are waiting for mentors; and,

Whereas, Michigan Mentoring Month provides an opportunity to recognize and commend the efforts of mentoring programs throughout the state and raise community awareness of the importance of mentoring; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 2006, as Michigan Mentoring Month; and I encourage all citizens to become a mentor to a young child and watch the ways in which the lives of children throughout the state will improve.