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Mentors Can Play a Powerful Role in Academic Achievement

Sacramento - Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed January 2010 as "California Mentoring Month", CaliforniaVolunteers announced today.

"As a young man, I was very fortunate to have the guidance and friendship of adults who took an interest in seeing me succeed," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "These mentors encouraged me, taught me and helped me reach my potential."

Research has shown that mentors can play a powerful role in academic achievement, and mentored youth are less likely to be involved with gangs, violence, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug use.

"Each of us has that same power to change the lives of youth right here in California," noted Governor Schwarzenegger. "I encourage the people of California to get involved in mentoring and witness firsthand the difference it can make as you coach, tutor or participate in other positive activities with our youth."

California Mentoring Month coincides with the ninth annual National Mentoring Month, designed to highlight how individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and therefore assure brighter futures for our nation's youth.

"The very simple act of reading to a child once or twice a week can have a profound impact on youth and their mentors," said Karen Baker, California's Secretary of Service and Volunteering. "By becoming a mentor, Californians can unlock the potential of our youth and ensure a brighter future for our state."

To view the full text of the proclamation, visit http://www.gov.ca.gov/proclamation/14113/

CaliforniaVolunteers
CaliforniaVolunteers is the state office that manages programs and initiatives to increase the number of Californians involved with service and volunteering, including the state AmeriCorps program, California Citizen Corps and the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning. Through the innovative Web site, CaliforniaVolunteers.org, individuals and families can find more than 45,000 volunteer opportunities throughout the state involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest. Karen Baker, the nation's first state cabinet secretary of service and volunteering leads the organization and First Lady Maria Shriver serves as the honorary chairperson. For more information, please visit www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org