AL HJR144

Designates January as Mentoring Month in Alabama to recognize the importance of mentoring in youth development.

Acknowledges eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies operating across Alabama (Greater Birmingham, North Alabama, the Shoals, Northeast Alabama, West Alabama, South Central Alabama, South Alabama, and Morgan, Lawrence, Cullman, and Winston Counties) that served more than 3,500 children in 2009.

Recognizes research showing formal mentoring promotes positive outcomes including improved academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills, career development, and reduced substance abuse, academic failure, and delinquency.

Encourages schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith institutions, and foundations to engage in mentoring programs through public-private partnerships to prevent duplication of efforts and efficiently use resources.

Directs the legislature to forward copies of the resolution to each of the eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Alabama in commendation of their service.