Michael Baisden recruits child mentors

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Volunteers in Mobile are joining a national effort to help young children make good decisions. The One Million Mentor program is directed towards kids, but parents have an opportunity to learn a thing or two as well. The program was launched by nationally syndicated radio talk show host Michael Baisden.

Baisden was inspired to start the movement after the tragic death of a high school student from his hometown. He hopes to reach children before drugs and life problems get to them first.

Myrtice Quinn has two daughters. She hopes they will get a mentor through the program.

"It gives someone else to help the parents teach their children. If the kids can't talk to you maybe they can talk to someone else. With my kids they don't have a father, we don't know where he is, but they need a father figure in their life to teach them what I can't teach them," Quinn said.

"Without it, we are going to continue to have the cycle we have now and we can't sustain this. These kids are going to prison, they're committing suicide, they are just not productive. Illiteracy rates, they're dropping out of school, it goes on and on," Baisden said.

Thousands of people have already joined the force to start making a positive impact on youths.

The tour is in it's fourth week. The crew hopes to visit 72 cities across the country. Baisden hosts his show live from local radio stations in each town he stops in.

"You've got to get out from behind the mic, like preachers have to get out from behind the podium so the kids can see what to do and not just hear what to do," Baisden added.

That is why Baisden is taking his mission on the road.

He had a powerful message to the people of Mobile.

"Get off your tail and become a mentor! The kids need you and we need you!" Baisden said.

For more information on how to join the One Million Mentor Campaign text 90101.