Big Brothers Big Sisters is a renowned nonprofit organization that aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. So, what is Big Brothers Big Sisters? It’s a mentoring program that matches adult volunteers, known as “Bigs,” with children and teenagers, known as “Littles,” who can benefit from having an additional supportive role model in their lives.
The core mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring relationships that can empower them to reach their full potential. The organization recognizes the importance of positive mentorship in shaping the lives of young individuals and works towards creating meaningful connections between mentors and mentees.
Through one-on-one mentoring relationships, Bigs offer guidance, support, and encouragement to Littles. They engage in various activities together, such as going to museums, playing sports, or simply spending quality time talking about life experiences. These interactions foster personal growth, boost self-esteem, improve academic performance, and help develop important life skills.
The History of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Early Beginnings of Big Brothers Big Sisters
When asking “what is Big Brothers Big Sisters?”, understanding its history is essential. The organization traces its roots back to early 20th century America. In 1904, a young New York court clerk named Ernest Coulter noticed an increasing number of boys appearing before the court in need of guidance and support. This inspired him to create an organization that would match these boys with caring adult mentors, giving them a positive role model in their lives.
Coulter’s vision materialized in 1902 when he founded the first-ever “Big Brother” program, initially targeting young boys who had encountered difficulties growing up without father figures. Recognizing that girls also faced similar challenges, the movement expanded to include female mentorship as well, officially becoming “Big Brothers Big Sisters” in 1977.
The Evolution of the Program
Over the years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown into one of the largest youth mentoring organizations worldwide. Through meticulous research and strategic partnerships, they have refined their approach and developed evidence-based programs that make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
Initially focusing solely on matching children with adult volunteers (“Bigs”), the organization recognized that some mentees could benefit from additional support systems. To cater to these needs, they introduced school-based mentoring programs where mentors spend time with students during regular school hours.
As technology advanced, so did the methods employed by Big Brothers Big Sisters. They embraced virtual mentoring platforms or e-mentoring initiatives that allow for meaningful connections between mentors and mentees regardless of geographical distances.
Impact and Success Stories
The impact created by Big Brothers Big Sisters over more than a century cannot be overstated. Countless success stories have emerged from this powerful mentorship program.
Research consistently shows that children matched with a mentor through BBBS are more likely to achieve higher educational aspirations, improve their self-confidence, build healthier relationships, and avoid risky behaviors. For instance, a study conducted by Public/Private Ventures found that children mentored through BBBS were 46% less likely to use drugs and 27% less likely to engage in violent behavior.
What Is Big Brothers Big Sisters
The Importance of Mentoring
When it comes to understanding what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about, one cannot overlook the vital role that mentoring plays in the organization’s mission. At its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to provide strong and enduring mentorship relationships for children facing adversity. These relationships are designed to ignite potential and empower young individuals to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Mentoring has been proven time and again to have a significant impact on a child’s life. Research shows that children who have a mentor are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and have better self-esteem. By providing consistent support and guidance, mentors can help young people develop important life skills such as problem-solving abilities, resilience, and goal-setting strategies.
Supporting Youth Development
Big Brothers Big Sisters goes beyond just establishing mentorship relationships; it also focuses on supporting holistic youth development. Through various programs and initiatives tailored to meet individual needs, this organization provides comprehensive support systems for children facing adversity.
Whether it’s academic assistance through tutoring programs or exposure to new experiences through organized outings or workshops, these opportunities expand horizons for young individuals under the guidance of their mentors. By nurturing their talents and exposing them to positive role models, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to shape the future leaders of tomorrow.
In conclusion, Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization dedicated to providing mentorship relationships that empower children facing adversity. By emphasizing the importance of mentoring, carefully matching mentors and mentees, and supporting holistic youth development, this organization creates a transformative impact on young lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a renowned mentoring program that has been making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth for decades.
