By Staff
LANSING – At the invitation of Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Michigan's First Gentleman Dan Mulhern Jan. 2 used the governor's radio address to highlight January as Michigan Mentoring Month and called on volunteers across the state to mentor in 2009.
Gov. Granholm designated January as Michigan Mentoring Month, a designation that coincides with the national celebration of mentoring month.
"Mentoring is one of the most meaningful ways you can volunteer because you can significantly impact the life of a young person," Mulhern said.
"No special skills are needed, just the willingness to care and spend time with someone who needs you. Mentors are everyday heroes who transform a life or even a community through their simple commitment to make a difference."
Mulhern said that mentees often lack what most of us take for granted – someone who consistently sees the good in them, helps them to understand their world and listens.
Mulhern also said that children sometimes just need a champion in their corner, a listening ear, an encouraging word, a consistent friend.
The first gentleman added that there are many children waiting to be matched with a caring adult in Michigan.
Most of these children are boys who need positive male role models.
The governor, first gentleman and two of their children are mentors.
For more information on mentoring, call 2-1-1 or go online to http://www.mentormichigan.com/>
In recognition of National Mentoring Month (NMM), President-elect Obama is also urging citizens to be the change and mentor a child.
NMM shines the light on the need for and importance of mentors.