2007/01/10 Council Agenda Packet

zIji ttp of eberett PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, when children feel good about themselves, they positively impact their friends and families, their schools and their communities; and WHEREAS, mentoring is a powerful force in influencing children's self-esteem and behavior, focusing on meeting their most basic developmental needs; and WHEREAS, positive relationships between youth and their mentors have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives, increasing confidence, improving grades and social skills while decreasing the risk of alcohol and drug abuse; and WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters, with their mission to help children reach their potential, is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States; and WHEREAS, as a branch of the YMCA and through partnering with the Everett School District, Big Brothers Big Sisters operates programs in five schools where community and business members have lunch with a child in addition to two mentoring programs that benefit another 120 children; and WHEREAS, mentoring is an effective strategy the community can build on to make a difference in children's lives; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett, do hereby proclaim the month of January 2007, as "NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH" in the City of Everett in recognition of the many people in our community who invest their personal time in our youth. Signed this 10th day of January 2007. Mayor Ray Stephanson