Charleston Leader

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize January as "National Mentoring Month." The resolution aims to highlight the positive impact that mentors can have on children and young adults, while also addressing the mentoring gap that exists in the United States.

According to the resolution, only one in three young people in the U.S. grow up with a mentor. This statistic underscores the need for more adults to invest their time in the success of young adults. Senator Capito emphasizes the importance of mentors, stating, "Having a mentor gives people, especially children and young adults, a path to reach their goals and unlock their full potential." She acknowledges the role that mentors have played in her own life, saying, "I have had so many great mentors in my life that I am grateful for, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them."

Senator Whitehouse echoes these sentiments, recognizing the contributions of mentors in Rhode Island and across America. He states, "Mentors provide wisdom, stability, and guidance to inspire the next generation."

Jermaine Myrie, CEO of MENTOR, a national mentoring organization, emphasizes the need for action, saying, "Recent research by MENTOR found that, at any given time, one in three young people want a mentor, but cannot find one." Myrie describes this as a "mentoring gap" and calls for adults, including policymakers, to invest in mentoring programs and cultivate a culture of volunteerism in their communities.

The resolution also highlights the benefits of mentoring. According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, young people with a mentor are more likely to succeed in various aspects of their lives. They are 52% less likely to skip school, 55% more likely to be enrolled in college, 92% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities, and 75% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.

In addition to Senators Capito and Whitehouse, the resolution is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of senators from across the country. The cosponsors include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and many more.

This resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of mentoring and the need for more adults to step up and become mentors. It recognizes the positive influence that mentors can have on the lives of young people and encourages communities to invest in mentoring programs. By doing so, we can help ensure that every young person has the supportive relationships they deserve to achieve success and happiness.