Proclamation Declaring January 2012 as Mentoring Month in Oklahoma
WHEREAS, the citizens of Oklahoma recognize that our success depends on helping children succeed in school and reach their full potential in life, and we realize that young people need a solid foundation of support that will help them become well-educated, confident, and productive citizens; and
WHEREAS, mentoring is a proven, effective strategy that helps children and young adults by matching them with a caring, responsible adult who can provide guidance and direction, and build their confidence; and
WHEREAS , research shows that mentoring has beneficial and long-term effects on youth by increasing their chances of high school graduation and college attendance and decreasing the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors, and
WHEREAS , every-day citizens of Oklahoma are making a profound difference in the lives of our young people by serving as mentors, supported by many private and public sector organizations that offer mentoring opportunities for youth; and
WHEREAS , the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, through its David and Molly Boren Mentoring Initiative, promotes the growth and development of quality youth mentoring programs as a positive step toward academic excellence in our state.
Now, therefore, I, Mary Fallin , Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the month of January 2012 as Mentoring Month in the State of Oklahoma.