Sponsored by:
Senator NILSA CRUZ-PEREZ
District 5 (Camden and Gloucester)
SYNOPSIS
Permanently designates January as "National Mentoring Month" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution permanently designating January as "National Mentoring Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Many young people from single parent homes or in foster care find it difficult, if not impossible, to develop sustainable, caring connections to adults; and
Whereas, Mentors in this State, and throughout the country, assist young people through challenging times, support their journey into adulthood, and play essential roles in preparing them for the future; and
Whereas, One way to address this gap in the lives of these young adults is mentoring. Young people who interact with mentors on a consistent basis are less likely to abuse drugs and engage in violent behavior, and more likely to graduate high school and continue their education through college; and
Whereas, A mentor's position as a positive role model can inspire children to strive for success, and instill a sense of confidence that will allow them to achieve their full potential in school, their communities, and in their future careers; and
Whereas, Mentorship also strengthens families by teaching children lasting values such as diligence and self-discipline; and
Whereas, "National Mentoring Month," observed every January throughout the country, is a celebration of the countless adults who cultivate a supportive environment for at-risk children and youth by becoming mentors, and is an opportunity to raise public awareness about the important role mentoring plays in the lives of young people, to focus attention on mentoring as a strategy to boost academic achievement, and to encourage corporations, faith-based organizations, governmental entities, and community-based agencies to help establish or expand mentorship programs across the country; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of January is permanently designated as "National Mentoring Month" in New Jersey in order to celebrate the countless adults who cultivate a supportive environment for at-risk children and youth by becoming mentors, to raise public awareness about the important role mentoring plays in the lives of young people, to focus attention on mentoring as a strategy to boost academic achievement, and to encourage corporations, faith-based organizations, governmental entities, and community-based agencies to help establish or expand mentorship programs across the State.
2. The Governor shall
annually issue a proclamation and call
upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with
appropriate events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution permanently designates the month of January as "National Mentoring Month" in New Jersey in order to celebrate the countless adults who cultivate a supportive environment for at-risk children and youth by becoming mentors, to raise public awareness about the important role mentoring plays in the lives of young people, to focus attention on mentoring as a strategy to boost academic achievement, and to encourage corporations, faith-based organizations, governmental entities, and community-based agencies to help establish or expand mentorship programs across the State.