LANSING: To celebrate mentoring month, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm invited First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern to use today’s weekly radio address to emphasize the importance of mentoring.  Governor Granholm has proclaimed January as Michigan Mentoring Month. 
 
In his radio address, Mulhern underlined the benefits of mentoring for both mentors and mentees.  He promised that by becoming a mentor, citizens can change not just one life, but their own lives, as well. 
 
“Become a mentor, and you will change the world,” Mulhern said.  “I’m amazed that the simple commitment of as little as an hour a week in a school mentoring program can change lives.  Mentored children are absent less, do better in school, enjoy better friendships, and are less likely at an early age to drink, smoke, or experiment with drugs.”
 
Mulhern said that mentees often lack what most of us take for granted – someone who consistently sees the good in them, helps them to understand their world, and listens.  He said children sometimes just need a champion in their corner, a listening ear, an encouraging word, a consistent friend. 
 
The governor, first gentleman and two of their children are mentors.  For more information on mentoring, call 2-1-1 or go online to www.mentormichigan.org .