DALLAS, Texas /CitizenWire/ — According to Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas, on December 28, 2011, President Obama issued a proclamation designating January 2012 as National Mentoring Month. He stated: "Every day, mentors help young Americans face the challenges of growing into adulthood. By setting a positive example and sharing their time, knowledge, and experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing our Nation's youth for a bright future." Themed "Invest in the Future: Mentor a Child," January 2012 marks the eleventh annual National Mentoring Month, a time each year when the President spotlights the importance of mentors and the need for every child to have the guidance of a caring adult.
Without positive role models, teen girls often face a "crisis of confidence" and are especially vulnerable to risky behavior and making bad choices with devastating lifelong consequences. With this in mind and focused on empowering all girls and young women, ages six to 18, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas is launching a new mentoring program that helps adult women connect with girls and provide them with ongoing support and encouragement.
"There are no special skills required to take advantage of the opportunity to mentor, only the willingness to help," said Leanne Hall, Volunteer Resource Director at Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas. "Mentors must pass a background check, be at least 21 years old and be dependable and consistent meeting time commitments of five hours per month. Selected women are carefully screened and then matched with our girls. The mentors will have the opportunity to encourage and support young girls through helping with homework, test preparation and providing guidance and friendship."
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Mentor training kicks off on January 17, 2012. To participate in the program, or to learn more about this or other volunteer opportunities, please contact Leanne Hall at 214-654-4506 or lhall@girlsincdallas.org .
About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas:
Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas aims to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and BoldSM. For more than 40 years, Girls Inc. has provided effective life skills and enrichment programs that empower girls to take daily charge of their lives. At four campuses, Girls Inc. offers learning and development opportunities for personal effectiveness, academics, and career planning so that girls ages six to 18 are inspired to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. To learn more about making a difference in the lives of girls, visit www.girlsincdallas.org .
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