Why Becoming A Big Brother Or Sister Matters

We are almost to the end of January, but before the month wraps up, I want to talk about something that truly matters to me.

January is National Mentor Month with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and it’s a reminder of just how powerful one relationship can be in a young person’s life.

I'M A BIG SISTER WITH BBBS

I’ve been a Big for more than two years now, and my Little’s name is Sophie. Somewhere along the way, she stopped feeling like just my “Little” and started feeling like family.

We spend time talking, laughing, sometimes just doing simple everyday things, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being a mentor doesn’t require grand gestures. It just takes showing up.

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BE SOMETHING BIG-GER

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been serving Central Minnesota for 56 years, and this January, their recruitment theme is “Be Something BIGger.” There are three different ways to be a Big: Community-Based, School or Site-Based, and Bigs on Campus. No matter which path you choose, the commitment is just two hours a month. That’s less time than most of us spend scrolling on our phones in a week.

MEN! WE NEED YOU!

Right now, they are especially in need of men. There are Little Brothers who are ready to be matched and are waiting for a male mentor. Some just want someone to shoot hoops with, talk to, or look up to. That simple connection can make a lifelong difference.

THE RESEARCH SHOWS MAJOR HEALTH IMPACTS ON KIDS WITH A BIG

The impact of mentoring is backed by real research. A national 30-year study done by Harvard and the U.S. Treasury Department shows that two-thirds of Littles grow up to earn incomes closer to their mentors, helping reduce the socioeconomic gap.

Littles earn about 15 percent more over their lifetimes and are 20 percent more likely to pursue higher education or job training than those in similar circumstances who don't join the program to find a Big. That means stronger futures not only for them, but for our entire community. Maybe that Little will be a surgeon, a doctor, or a store owner in our community; if they just had someone to give them the confidence... to be more.

96% OF LITTLES EXCEED THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Here in Central Minnesota, the results are just as powerful. Ninety-six percent of Littles exceed their educational expectations. Ninety-one percent report a higher sense of belonging.

IMPROVING DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND AVOIDING RISKY BEHAVIORS

Emotional well-being may be the most important impact of all. Eighty-nine percent improve emotional regulation skills, eighty-three percent show improvement in depressive symptoms, and eighty percent avoid risky behaviors.

BECOME A BIG OR FIND ANOTHER WAY TO HELP BBBS

There are many ways to get involved. You can become a Big and give just two hours a month to help shape a young person’s future. You can volunteer on a committee if you like, recruiting mentors, planning events, or helping with fundraising. You can also donate or sponsor an event.

150 LITTLES ARE ON THE WAITING LIST RIGHT NOW

It costs about $2,500 a year to support one match, which covers staff support, background checks, match activities, and ongoing guidance for about 450 current matches. Right now, around 150 Littles are waiting to be matched.

THE 'BIG RAFFLE' IS HAPPENING NOW

Big Brothers Big Sisters also has events coming up, including their Big Raffle happening now and their Big Auction in April. You can follow along on their Facebook page for details.

I never imagined how much Sophie would change my life when I signed up to be a Big. What started as volunteering has turned into a relationship I treasure. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, this is your sign. Be something BIGger for a kid who’s waiting.

To learn more, visit bigdefenders.org, or just call their office today and talk to someone about how you can become a BIG today.