HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.c. Proclamation of National Mentoring Month 4ROSEMOLINYT SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: January 2, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Proclamation of National Mentoring AGENDA SECTION:
Month
PREPARED BY: William H. Droste, Mayor AGENDA NO.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed proclamation APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve proclamation
For the seventh year, community leaders across the nation are identifying the month of January as
National Mentoring Month. The observance is an attempt to recognize the contributions of those who
serve as mentors and 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, or 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 13 children: four who are matched with a mentor and
nine 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, or by phone at 952- 892 -6368
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 24, as "Thank Your Mentor Day."
A suggested proclamation is attached for Council consideration to declare January as National Mentoring
Month in Rosemount.
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2008
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY, 2008, AS
NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
WHEREAS, young people who have mentors have a better chance of succeeding and are more
likely to make positive choices; and
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 healthy and productive life; and
WHEREAS, in Minnesota, there are an estimated 450,000 young people who could benefit
from an adult mentor, and in Rosemount, nine children are awaiting a volunteer; and
WHEREAS, with the support of businesses, communities, and caring adults, the City can help
introduce a child to new ideas and opportunities through mentoring.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that in the City of Rosemount, which celebrates
the thousands of adult mentors already volunteering in our state, and in our determined efforts to
help recruit new volunteers, we proclaim January 2008 as National Mentoring Month.
ADOPTED this 2nd day of January, 2008, by the City Council of the City of Rosemount.
William H. Droste, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
Motion by: Second by:
Voted in favor:
Voted against:
Member absent: