Did you know that boys with a Big Brothers are three times less likely than boys without a mentor to suffer peer pressure related anxiety, such as worrying about what other children think or say about them or that mentored boys are also two times less likely than non-mentored boys to develop negative conducts like bullying, fighting, lying, cheating, losing their temper or expressing anger.
I am! As a single mom I am a passionate supporter of the Big Brother Big Sister’s program. When my son turned 12, I applied for a match and waited for 2 years for a potential “Big” to become available. I was surprised at the wait since this was a well known program. Just before my son was about to become ineligible for a match due to his age, he was partnered with Steven.
When I first met Steven, I was not quite sure what to make of the irreverent 20 something year old who answered his phone with a “Wassup!” Fortunately, he was a perfect counter balance for my son, Matthew, who tends to be quiet and serious. In the four years of their relationship, I have watched the relation grow to the point where Matthew is now going to visit the University of his choice with his Big Brother Stephen.
Unfortunately for the other boys on the waitlist in Toronto, and around the country, a match is a dream as they age out of the wait list before a suitable mentor in their area can be found. So be a “Big” if you are:
Interested in mentoring boys so that they are two times more likely to believe that school is fun and that doing well academically is important
You have 4 hours a month to share with a young person to help them gain life skills and life-long personal well-being.
Are interested in maximizing your charitable contribution in a significant manner, as the following study has shown, adult “Littles” not only make more money compared to a control group, but they contribute more in tax dollars, charitable giving and volunteering.
Or just plain want to give back to the community in a fun manner.
For more information on the study quoted here, go to: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/en/home/newsevents/investinginkidsfuturespaysoff.aspx)
To be a Big Brother, go to: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/en/home/mentoringprograms/becomeamentor/theprocess.aspx