Washington, DC – Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing January 2024 as “National Mentoring Month” to celebrate the positive influence mentors can have on children and young adults. Whitehouse and Capito are joined by 33 bipartisan cosponsors.
“Mentors provide wisdom, stability, and guidance to inspire the next generation,” said Whitehouse. “I am glad to join Senator Capito in bipartisan recognition of the contributions of mentors in Rhode Island and across America.”
“Having a mentor gives people, especially children and young adults, a path to reach their goals and unlock their full potential,” said Senator Capito. “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. Having people who care about you, guide you, and hold you accountable will set you up for success, and I am happy to join my colleagues today in highlighting the importance of mentors in communities across West Virginia and our country.”
The resolution recognizes the benefits of mentoring, including fostering life skills in young adults. According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, young people with a mentor are:
- 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school;
- 55 percent more likely to be enrolled in college;
- 92 percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities; and
- 75 percent more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.
“Recent research by MENTOR found that, at any given time, one in three young people want a mentor, but cannot find one; a data point that is even more stark among our country’s youngest generation,” said Jermaine Myrie, CEO of MENTOR. “This ‘mentoring gap’ is a call to action for all adults – including policymakers – to cultivate a culture of volunteerism in their community by investing in our young people through mentoring programs. This National Mentoring Month, we thank Senators Whitehouse and Capito for their continued leadership in elevating the value of youth mentoring. We look forward to continuing to partner to grow our movement until every young person has the supportive relationships they deserve to help them achieve success and happiness.”
“We have learned, over the past few years especially, the incredible value of relationships and connections. Young people thrive when they have a network of positive adult relationships in their lives. During National Mentoring Month and throughout the year we encourage Americans to seek opportunities to support youth through mentoring and, as youth mentoring professionals, we strive to support those volunteers with the evidence-based training and support they need to be great mentors,” said Marc Mainville, Interim President and CEO of MENTOR Rhode Island.
“We commend Senator Whitehouse for his bipartisan resolution recognizing January 2024 as ‘National Mentoring Month,’” said Beth Bixby, CEO of Tides Family Services. “At Tides Family Services, we’ve seen how the transformative power of mentorship shapes the lives of the children and young adults we serve over decades. Our case workers plant seeds through their guidance, support, and inspiration that blossom over time, generating growth and empowering youth to reach their full potential. This resolution highlights the profound impact mentors have on shaping brighter futures, and we are grateful for the commitment to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of mentors in leaving a mark on the hearts and minds of those we serve and building stronger communities.”
The resolution underscores the mentoring gap that exists in the United States, where only one in three young people grow up with a mentor, and highlights the need for more adults to invest their time in the success of young adults.
Whitehouse is a long-time supporter of mentorship programs, most recently securing an $800,000 earmark for MENTOR Rhode Island last year. Whitehouse has led similar resolutions in the 114th, 115th, 116th, and 117th sessions of Congress.
The 2024 National Mentoring Month resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the resolution can be found here.
Meaghan McCabe (Whitehouse), (202) 224-2921
Kelley Moore (Capito), 202-228-1462
