Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rep. Betty McCollum supports January National Mentoring Month encouraging

people to become mentors with H. Res. 908

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (January 23, 2008) – This afternoon Representative Betty McCollum (D, MN-4) will speak on the floor of the House as a sponsor of a Resolution (H.Res.908) in support of the goals and ideals of January National Mentoring Month.

President Bush issued a proclamation declaring January 2008 to be National Mentoring Month.

Rep. McCollum’s resolution calls on the people of the United States to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities because mentoring can reduce delinquency, substance use and abuse and academic failure.   A structured and trusting relationship between young people and caring individuals can promote improved academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills and career development.

Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota Executive Director Joellen Gonder-Spacek says there are 250,000 young people across Minnesota who could benefit from a mentor.  “We hope people will reflect on who mentored them and give back by sharing what they know to help a child reach his or her dream.”

Adults across Minnesota are encouraged to become a mentor by visiting www.mentoringworks.org .  An event at RiverCentre kicking off National Mentor Month in Minnesota was presented by Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and General Electric on Saturday, January 5.

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Contact:  Joellen Gonder-Spacek, Executive Director, Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, 612-370-9180