January 23, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced Michigan will celebrate “Thank Your Mentor Day” on Wednesday, January 25.  Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern continue to call on people around the state to step forward and mentor children in their community.

Granholm declared January Mentoring Month in Michigan to coincide with the observance of National Mentoring Month. 

“Mentors are critical to building stronger futures for Michigan’s children and I am proud to recognize their service to our state,” Granholm said.

In addition to recognizing the work of mentors, “Thank Your Mentor Day” encourages those who have had a mentor to pass on the experience and become a mentor themselves.

“What better way to show your appreciation for your mentor than by continuing his or her work and stepping forward to mentor a child,” Mulhern said.  “No special skills or credentials are required to be a mentor.  A good mentor simply takes a bit of time on a regular basis to show interest and concern for a youngster.”

As attorney general, Granholm created the Mentor Michigan Initiative, now led by Mulhern.  Mentor Michigan is a statewide effort to raise awareness about the need for mentors and the benefits associated with mentoring.  As a result of the initiative, organizations across the state are coming together to encourage people to mentor a child.

Last week, Granholm signed an executive order establishing the Mentor Michigan Leadership Council to support and promote mentoring efforts in the state and educate citizens on the benefits gained for everyone involved in mentoring.

The First Gentleman and the Governor are encouraging mentors across the state to celebrate National Mentoring Month by recruiting citizens to be mentors.

Additionally, the Michigan Community Service Commission, chaired by Mulhern, has program information and resources on the Mentor Michigan website to help future mentors find an available mentoring organization in their community.

For more information, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER or visit www.mentormichigan.org

Mentor Michigan is managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission, a state agency that builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  Visit www.michigan.gov/mcsc or call (517) 335-4295 for more information.