Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

At the Haines Borough Assembly meeting on Jan. 12, Mayor Jan Hill joined Alaska Gov. Bill Walker, the U.S. Congress and President Barack Obama in proclaiming January as Mentoring Month. It can seem routine, as every month seems to belong to somebody. But shining a light on the need for adults who can foster a one-to-one relationship with a child or teen, then model through time their consistent care and kindness, deserves our recognition.

Whether the mentoring relationships are informal or fostered through a church group or a purpose-driven agency like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the important thing is seizing the opportunity. The statistic: nine million U.S. kids don’t have an answer to the question, “Who do I turn to?” They face adversity. One consistent, safe adult friend can be life-changing. Thank you, Mayor Hill and Haines Borough Assembly, for your recognition of Mentoring Month.

Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, is a day of special importance. The federal holiday, first authorized by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, celebrates the birth and the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We needn’t look far, on the news or maybe next door, to see first-hand the dream — and the dream still being deferred or nullified. One way we might consider celebrating this national day of promise is with family and friends in service to others. Happy Mentoring Month and MLK Day!

Burl Sheldon