Big Brothers Big Sisters
Written by Cassie Licari on 17/02/10
Photo by Scott Robbin on Flickr
Leaders, role models and mentors are people who pull at the reigns of positivity and guidance in others’ lives. They help others to see the full potential that we all have hidden within ourselves by teaching them and encouraging their self-esteem to grow. A positive mentor and role model to youth not only gives them opportunities to engage in activities they enjoy, but the personal benefits they gain from having someone to look up to is immeasurable.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBS) is a widely successful international charitable mentoring program that makes all the difference for young people. They provide volunteered mentoring to more than 1000 communities in Canada. Youth (called “Littles”) are matched up with adult mentors (called “Bigs”), and together the pair engage in fun activities such as recreational sports, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, etc. More often than not, the Littles are youth whose walk of life has been rocky. They may have been bullied, have some social problems, come from a less fortunate home, don’t have positive relationships with family members, and thus often lack positive figures in their lives whom they can look up to (Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada).
The BBBS program has been so successful for the growth and development of youth and statistics back this up. The friendship and support that the youth receive through the program often transforms their attitudes and is reflected in their education. The Littles in this program graduate from high school at a rate of 20% higher than the national average, and a substantially high proportion of former Littles go on to graduate from college and university (Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada).
The program’s vision is “Every Child in Canada Who Needs a Mentor, Has a Mentor”. This signifies their determination and acknowledgment of the importance of the program in helping youth lead safe, healthy and proactive lives. Having an older role model to look up to for direction is not only beneficial to the child at the time, but for the rest of his or her life. The friendships built and the confidence gained will help Littles flourish in whatever they do. Having a mentor will boost their ability to see the potential in themselves and set goals. This support system will guide them to walk down the right path in life, the path they deserve.
How Can You Get Involved?
The one-on-one mentor programs are given to volunteers who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, you can still be a mentor with another program. Contact your local BBBS program and they can set you up with an alternative volunteering program. There are over 26,000 kids already matched with an adult but there are still 10,000 kids on the waiting list to be assigned a mentor. If you are a youth looking for a mentor, there is an abundance of mentoring programs suitable to your interests – please contact your local Big Brother Big Sisters agency!
Links
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Big Brothers Big Sisters International
