* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Rawlings-Blake
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
In Support of National Mentoring Month
FOR the purpose of expressing support for National Mentoring Month and the focus of national attention on the need for mentors; recognizing the selfless contributions of mentors from Baltimore City's businesses, government agencies, churches, schools, nonprofits, as well as individual volunteers; and calling all members of the Baltimore community to volunteer their time and expertise as mentors to those in need.
Body
Recitals
Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month is marking its eighth year in 2009. "By focusing national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us - individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits - can work together to increase the number of mentors, we assure brighter futures for our young people."
The Maryland Mentoring Partnership reports that during the past decade the mentoring movement has gained momentum in Maryland and across the country. Enriching the lives of both youth and adults, elementary, middle, and high school students are mentored through a network of more than 300 programs statewide. Mentoring programs focus on helping youth improve scholastically, gain valuable workplace skills, and build competence and character. Research has shown that mentored youth often have better attitudes toward school and a reduction in substance abuse and other negative behaviors.
In Baltimore City, our public school system offers a meaningful way for committed persons to become mentors. The schools are seeking 500 volunteers to support the schools and students. Volunteers will be matched with schools to help out in ways that match their schedules and the schools' needs - from being a positive presence around the school at dismissal, to helping out within the school, or to tutor or mentor students.
As stated by Maryland Mentors: "Mentoring is a connection between a caring adult and a young person that validates the youth and creates a safe, supportive, and positive relationship where participants come together through an organized mentoring-focused program." Instead of being dismayed by Baltimore City's low overall graduation rate, responsible citizens can take the opportunity of National Mentoring Month to refocus on the best way to affect change - one student at a time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body supports National Mentoring Month and the focus of national attention on the need for mentors; recognizes the selfless contributions of mentors from Baltimore City's businesses, government agencies, churches, schools, nonprofits, as well as individual volunteers; and calls all members of the Baltimore community to volunteer their time and expertise as mentors to those in need.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Director of Baltimore Rising, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
dlr 08-0588~intro/08Jan09
ccres/Mentor/nf
dlr 08-0588~intro/08Jan09
??2??
ccres/Mentor/nf