Janvier: mois du mentorat aux USA

Depuis six ans, les États-Uniens soulignent le mois du mentorat en janvier. Il en sera de même en 2007 et l'événement est même entériné par le Président Bush! Je vous invite à lire sa proclamation du 22 décembre 2006 à ce sujet:
National Mentoring Month, 2007 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
During National Mentoring Month, we honor the caring individuals across our Nation who are committed to helping the next generation of Americans reach their full potential.
Mentors help teach important skills that are necessary for a healthy, successful life and help shape the character of our young people. They instill compassion and responsibility in our children and help motivate them to do their best in school. By providing leadership and guidance, mentors can inspire young people to set high goals and help them achieve a bright future.
My Administration is committed to helping the next generation realize the promise of our Nation. Through the USA Freedom Corps, we are providing opportunities for mentors to connect with children in schools, after-school programs, and community groups. The Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, raises awareness about the challenges facing our youth and encourages adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school, and community. The initiative also supports community partnerships that develop opportunities for mentoring and positive youth development.
I appreciate the contributions of all those who serve as mentors, and I encourage all Americans to get involved in mentoring programs. To learn about mentoring opportunities, citizens can visit the USA Freedom Corps website at volunteer.gov. By joining teachers, coaches, religious leaders, relatives, and other mentors, individuals can use their talents and experiences to enrich the lives of young people and demonstrate the compassionate spirit of America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2007 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of mentoring, to look for opportunities to serve as mentors in their communities, and to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH

Cette année, les festivités débuteront par un gala où le musicien Quicy Jones se verra nommé Mentor de l'année. Clint Eastwood et Sting donnent leur appui à cette initiative qui visent à stimuler l'implication des citoyens à titre de mentor. Plusieurs médias dont CBS, Fox, NBC, Newsweek, and Time Inc. offrent également leur appui à cet effort de recrutement. Pour plus de détails sur le mois du mentorat, visitez le site Mentor.
Le mentorat commence à être connu au Québec. Les médias en parlent de plus en plus... Pourquoi ne pas suivre l'exemple des États-Unis et instaurer un mois du mentorat au Canada (ou au Québec)? Une telle initiative donnerait une tribune pour mieux faire connaître le mentorat sous toutes ses formes et permettrait aux acteurs dans le domaine de faire la promotion de leurs services et du mentorat comme moyen de s'impliquer bénévolement!