Whereas, By strengthening young people through mentoring, we are building a stronger future for them, our communities, and our great state; and,

Whereas, The efforts of real people mentoring will help ensure that children realize their own personal value and potential and instill in them the hope of a brighter future; and,

Whereas, Thousands of Michigan youth are waiting for mentors; and,

Whereas, By sharing their time with a young person, a mentor offers valuable encouragement, motivation, and support in making positive choices; and,

Whereas, Michigan Mentoring Month provides an opportunity to recognize and commend the efforts of mentoring programs throughout the state and raise community awareness of the importance of mentoring;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 2009 as Michigan Mentoring Month, and I encourage all citizens to mentor a child.