HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.c. Proclamation of National Mentoring MonthAGENDA ITEM: Proclamation of National Mentoring
Month
AGENDA SECTION:
PREPARED BY: William H. Droste, Mayor
AGENDA NO. yit.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed proclamation
APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve proclamation
4 ROSEMOUNT
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: January 20, 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For the eighth year, leaders across the nation are identifying the month of January as National Mentoring
Month. The observance recognizes the contributions of those who serve as mentors and is intended to
bring attention to the need for additional mentors in all communities.
In Dakota County, Kids `n Kinship is a private, nonprofit organization that matches children who have a
need for an additional supportive relationship with carefully screened adult volunteers. Once a match has
been made, volunteers spend one -to -four hours per week with the child. Typical activities include
picnicking, attending sporting events, hobbies, baking cookies, and going to the movies.
Volunteers make a one -year commitment to the program. The relationships often grow into life -long
friendships. Kids `n Kinship serves children in the communities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Burnsville,
Lakeville, Eagan, and Farmington. Here in Rosemount, the group serves 12 children: six who are matched
with a mentor and six who are waiting for a volunteer.
Kids `n Kinship has orientation sessions every few weeks during the day, evenings, and weekends. During
orientation visitors hear about the children who are waiting for mentors, the volunteer screening process,
and the activities and benefits provided by Kids 'n Kinship. There are more details on the organization's
website, www.kidsnkinship.org.
During the month, organizations like Kids `n Kinship will be celebrating the positive impact of mentoring
both on the children who are served and on the adults who volunteer to serve them. Those groups will
mark Thursday, January 22, as "Thank Your Mentor Day."
A suggested proclamation is attached for Council consideration to declare January as National Mentoring
Month in Rosemount.
PROCLAMATION
Whereas: Young people who have mentors have a better chance of succeeding and are
more likely to make positive choices.
Whereas: Research shows volunteer mentors can play a powerful role in reducing risky
adolescent behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse and youth violence, while greatly
enhancing a young person's prospects for leading a health and productive life.
Whereas: In Minnesota, there are an estimated 450,000 young people who could benefit
from an adult mentor.
Whereas: Within the Kids `n Kinship program there are six Rosemount youths benefiting
from being matched with a mentor and six youths waiting for a mentor
Whereas: With the support of businesses, communities, and caring adults, we can help
introduce a child to new ideas and opportunities through mentoring.
Therefore, in the great city of Rosemount, which celebrates all the adult mentors already
volunteering, and in our determined efforts to recruit new mentors, we proclaim January
2009 as National Mentoring Month.
William H. Droste, Mayor