January Named National Mentoring Month

WILMINGTON, DE – A nationwide campaign will begin with a local kickoff Saturday morning, as Tom Carper joins the Delaware Mentoring Council in declaring January National Mentoring Month. The annual campaign aims to both recruit and raise awareness about the merits of mentoring. “With January as National Mentoring Month, each year will begin with renewed enthusiasm. This national push will make American families stronger, our students more confident, our lives more fulfilled. Delaware has been showing communities across the country the power of mentoring for quite a while. Delaware’s Boys & Girls Clubs are leading the way,” Carper said. “I am proud to be a mentor and I ask others to join me this New Year. There is no greater way to make a difference in the life of a child at risk.” Saturday’s press conference will detail events planned throughout the state this month, and rollout new initiatives for inspiring mentors. Information on mentoring programs in communities in need of volunteers can be found at www.mentoring.org or by calling 888-432-MENTOR. On January 10, 2002, the U.S. Postal Service will hold “A First Day of Issue” ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland to mark the release of a 34-cent “Mentoring a Child” postage stamp; a total of 125 million stamps will be printed. WHO: Delaware Mentoring Council & Delaware Big Brothers& Sisters, Senator Tom Carper Wilmington Mayor James Baker Mentoring pairs from across the state WHAT: Press Conference Designating January “National Mentoring Month” WHERE: Kahunaville, Wilmington WHEN: Saturday, January 5th, 2002 11:30 am