January 2013 will mark the 12th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, an annual media campaign to recruit volunteer mentors for young people.

To help highlight a month filled with events focused on promoting mentorship, and in advance of a special event with Iowa lawmakers slated for Thursday at the Iowa Statehouse, Newton Mayor Michael Hansen recently signed an official proclamation designating January as National Mentoring Month within the city. His proclamation stated:

“Whereas, Iowans serving from all walks of life as mentors to youth across the state have given their time, talent and energy to improve the lives of all youth; and