In this issue, you'll read:
January is National Mentoring Month
Dine at Bandana's and Support WYN
Two WYN Volunteers Earn Recognition
Mentoring Spotlight
Get Involved!

January is National Mentoring Month

January 2009 has been recognized by George W. Bush, General Colin Powell and President Barack Obama as the eighth annual National Mentoring Month.

National Mentoring Month is spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

This year's theme is "Expand Your Universe: Mentor a Child." MENTOR's challenge to the public is to remember who mentored you, thank them and pass it on. President Obama has supported the "Be the Change: Mentor a Child" campaign.

These initiatives have encouraged millions to seek mentoring opportunities in their communities.

Show your support for our community by encouraging someone you know to call WYN and become a mentor. We have over 20 kids waiting to receive a mentor, so let's get them off the list and into positive, healthy relationships!

Dine at Bandana's and Support WYN

WYN’s “Be the Change” Fundraising Dinner
In support of Western Youth Network’s goal to enhance its mentoring program during National Mentoring Month, WYN and Bandana’s Barbecue and Grill will be hosting a fundraising dinner on Monday, January 26, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm at Bandana's restaurant, located on Hwy. 105 in Boone.

The WYN Board of Directors and staff will be acting as your servers in exchange for your tips and donations, which will benefit the Western Youth Network’s mentoring program. Please come out and join in the fun, and support a local nonprofit during National Mentoring Month.

WYN is a High Country United Way agency that specializes in after school, mentoring, and prevention services for High Country youth. For more information, visit www.westernyouthnetwork.org.

Two WYN Volunteers Earn Recognition

Two outstanding Watauga County mentors were recognized by a National Volunteer program when they received a Daily Points of Light Award. Caroline Bond and Michelle Bosclair both received this honor in December for their outstanding commitment to their mentees, and to the duty of being a mentor.

The Points of Light Institute, which created the Points of Light awards has three main goals:
Citizen Action: Create an engaged citizenry where every individual has the opportunity to make a difference through meaningful civic engagement.
Civic Infrastructure: Develop a civic infrastructure equipped with the resources, tools, and knowledge to create change in communities.
Campaigns for Impact: Demonstrate the power of citizens actively engaged in changing our world and solving problems.

Congratulations to Caroline and Michelle for receiving this national recognition!

Mentoring Spotlight

This month, WYN's Mentoring Program recognizes Margaret Butler, who has been a WYN mentor since March of 2008. She is an amazing woman who is an incredible role model to her young mentee. Margaret has shown her mentee some wonderful outdoor experiences by taking her to Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, Mystery Hill, and gem mining, to name a few. Margaret is very consistent with her mentee, and her mentee always looks forward to her visits with Margaret. The young girl's grandmother tells me that Margaret is the "highlight of the little girl's week." Margaret is a local woman who gives so much back to our community, and WYN is very fortunate to have her as a mentor. Thank you Margaret!!

Get Involved!

Western Youth Network is in the middle of its annual appeal. We could really use your donation this year to assist our mentoring and after school programs. Please see details of how to donate under the "Donate!" heading below. Thank you for your help in enriching the lives of our High Country youth.

Donate!
Being a young person is something that each and every one of us understands. To help WYN help this generation of young people, we need your assistance. To make a tax-deductible donation to WYN, visit our website at www.westernyouthnetwork.org and use PayPal, or mail your check to: 155 WYN Way, Boone, NC 28607.

Goodsearch
If you frequently conduct internet searches (most of us do), please consider using GoodSearch. This search engine works just like Google, and it pays WYN 1 penny for each search you conduct. Visit www.goodsearch.com and type in "Western Youth Network" in the "Who do you search for" box. These pennies add up quickly!

Mentor!
Help shape the life of a young person and enhance your own at the same time by becoming a mentor. The commitment is only 2 hours a week and it literally makes a lifetime of difference. Contact Angela McMann at mcmanna@westernyouthnetwork.org to find our more.