National Mentoring Month 2008
The Maryland Mentoring Partnership Announces Plans
for
National Mentoring Month 2008
January is National Mentoring Month (NMM), a nationwide effort to recruit caring adults to mentor young people who are at risk of not achieving their potential. Research shows that mentors can play a powerful role in the lives of youth aiding in their academic, social and career success while reducing the likelihood of drug addiction, teen pregnancy and other negative behaviors. “National Mentoring Month will give us an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in Maryland.” said Selwyn Ray, executive director of The Maryland Mentoring Partnership. “With more than 52,000 school age youth who have mentors, we are seeing a steady increase in the number of mentoring relationships and quality programs, however there are still thousands of disadvantaged youth across the state who need mentors,” said Mr. Ray. In Baltimore City alone, schools CEO Andres Alonso has called for mentors for 40,000 students who are at risk of dropping out.
Under the theme, “Share What you Know. Mentor a Child”, NMM’s message is directed at engaging more caring adult volunteers to share their experience and time with a young person. Headlining the 7th annual campaign are General Colin Powell, Quincy Jones, Cal Ripken, Jr. and R&B recording artist Usher, who will be featured in public service announcements that will air throughout January on local and national television. The Maryland Mentoring Partnership, which serves as the premiere advocate and expert resource for youth mentoring, will lead statewide activities to recruit, train, and recognize mentors and mentoring programs including:
2008 Maryland Mentoring Conference Inspiring youth – Unlocking potential
Thursday and Friday, January 17 and 18, 2008 at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel.
This conference will bring together over 400 mentoring experts, advocates, program providers, educators, mentors and youth including Dr. Andrés A. Alonso, CEO Baltimore City Public Schools; Rev. Manuel Baerga, Executive Director, Teen Challenge of Maryland; Dr. Michael Karcher, Associate Professor of Education and Human Development, University of Texas at San Antonio; and Dr. Joan Reede, Dean for Diversity and Community Partnerships, Harvard Medical School to exchange information on best practices, resources, training and innovative activities.
4th Annual Mentoring Day in Annapolis : January 22, will galvanize legislators, public officials and mentoring advocates to garner more state support and make Maryland the state that mentors.
Thank Your Mentor Day® Breakfast for Mentors: January 24, at University of Maryland Eastern Shore , will give area programs an opportunity to recognize their mentors.
For additional information and a listing of other activities and dates, please contact Jeannette Simon, Manager of Community Partnerships at 410-685-8316, Ext. 224 or jsimon@marylandmentors.org.
The Maryland Mentoring Partnership acknowledges with thanks our 2008 National Mentoring Month partners and funders for their generous contributions and in-kind support. MENTOR, Harvard Mentoring Project, National Aquarium in Baltimore and B&O Railroad Museum .
White House Press Release
Letter from Gov. Martin O'Malley
Fox 5 WTTG in Washington DC Mentoring Monday Reports
