Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Celebrates National Mentoring Month
During National Mentoring Month in January, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence is joining with mentoring organizations and schools across the state to encourage citizens to mentor a child in their community.
All children need the consistency and encouragement of caring adults in their lives to help them be their best. Research demonstrates that children who are mentored feel more self-confident, have healthier relationships and are more likely to say no to drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, mentoring improves students’ attendance and attitudes about school.
Recognizing the tremendous role that mentoring can play in a student’s life and academic progress, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence launched the David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative in 2005 to encourage the growth and development of school-based mentoring. The centerpiece of this initiative is a Web site at www.okmentors.org with a statewide directory of volunteer opportunities and resources for those interested in establishing mentoring programs in their communities. The foundation is also conducting a media campaign to promote mentoring opportunities in Oklahoma.
Links to Mentoring news releases, public service announcements and other resources are provided below. For more information, contact Brenda Wheelock, communications director, or Jennifer Geren, Mentoring Initiative director, at (405) 236-0006.
Mentoring Month News and Events
NEWS RELEASE: Foundation Marks National Mentoring Month By Promoting Mentoring Opportunities Statewide
LOYD BENSON GUEST COLUMN: Share What You Know. Become A Mentor
January 15 - Little Dixie Passport to the Future Mentoring Month Contest deadline
January 24 - Thank Your Mentor Day!
Mentoring Month Information
Mentoring Initiative Information Sheet
Governor’s Proclamation for Mentoring Month
Mentoring Month Media
Newspaper PSA (PDF, 134k)
Television PSAs