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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JANUARY AS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of January is recognized as National Mentoring Month; and
WHEREAS, MENTOR Illinois, launched in 2012, champions quality youth mentoring and activities by offering programs and services such as training and technical assistance, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy for resources; and
WHEREAS, mentors and mentoring programs have a lasting impact upon the confidence and trajectory of children as research shows that students who take part in mentoring programs are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to use illegal drugs, 27% less likely to start drinking and 55% more likely to enroll in college and maintain positive relationships with adults while making plans for the future; and
WHEREAS, nearly all of those who mentor recommend mentorship opportunities to their friends, colleagues, and families; and
WHEREAS, in Cook County, the City of Chicago, and surrounding suburbs, there are more than 400 active mentoring organizations helping tens of thousands of youth; and
WHEREAS, everyday across Cook County dedicated mentors help youth in diverse communities address the challenges of navigating life and growing into healthy and productive adults; and
WHEREAS, less than 5% of youth facing one or more risk factors in Cook County are currently served in a mentoring program, and many children in Cook County need the support of a quality and caring mentor; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Board of Commissioners, on behalf of more than 5.2 million residents of Cook County, do hereby take this opportunity to acknowledge January as National Mentoring Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body in recognition of National Mentoring Month.end