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Columbia, SC (WACH)--The mayor of Columbia is asking for citizen's help to make sure children have a bright future.

Mayor Steve Benjamin kicked off the 2013 Mentoring Summit Saturday by launching the Mayor's Mentoring Network; a new recruitment partnership between his office and community organizations.

Officials from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Concerned Black Men were also on hand to explain the importance of increasing the number of adults to mentor youth; especially among men.

The network hopes to add more resources to make sure children have guidance for their futures.

Mayor Benjamin said he was mentored as a child; and that it made a big difference in his life.

"It is an effort to drive more people into the lives of young people who need someone special in their lives," Benjamin said. "We just want to encourage people to mentor and recognize the importance they can have on helping shape society by shaping young individuals; one at a time."

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