Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff grew up idolizing a family friend who flew combat planes in Vietnam.
To this day, Ron Fletcher's role as a mentor and friend is something Utah's top prosecutor cherishes.
"He was larger than life for me, someone who taught me respect for the law, patriotism, love for my country — he was someone I wanted to be like," Shurtleff said.
Fletcher's childhood influence is what in part motivated Shurtleff to join others at a Monday press conference to draw attention to National Mentoring Month, which will be celebrated locally with a Mentor Fair Saturday at Fashion Place Mall.
Shurtleff serves as chairman of the Utah Mentoring Partnership and launched his own mentoring initiative last year.
"Clearly there is a link between having a positive adult role model and reducing crime," Shurtleff said.
Shurtleff's initiative involves encouraging Utah businesses to allow workers one hour of paid leave per week to mentor a child or single mother. The partnership encourages residents on their own to volunteer their time through a network that links volunteers to recipients of the services.
Mentoring, Shurtleff said, is one of the few things proven to reduce the probability of at-risk children getting in trouble.
A Utah State University Extension Services study shows mentored children are:
61 percent less likely to get involved with gangs.
58 percent less likely to be truant.
53 percent less likely to get failing grades.
54 percent less likely to bully other children.
56 percent less likely to be involved in property damage or incidences of vandalism.
On the flip side, Shurtleff said employees involved with mentoring are happier and more productive.
Several government agencies and businesses have already embraced the paid leave of one hour a week for employees, including Iron County, Young Electric Sign, Marketstar Corp. in Ogden and the Sandy City Police Department.
Sandy Police Sgt. Michelle Burnette said the program provides a positive way for officers to give back to the community.
"It is great to get involved with a child's life, help them learn how to read, build their self-confidence or just be a friend," Burnette said. "It is always nice to have a positive interaction."
Anna Tibbitts, executive director of the partnership, said the coalition represents about 30 organizations that either offer mentoring services directly or provide support or referrals. To find out more, call 759-5000.
E-MAIL: amyjoi@desnews.com