By: Amanda Price—
Muncie, IN – Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana is kicking off a new recruitment campaign on January 8, 2019 at the Ball State University vs. Eastern Michigan men’s basketball game, aimed at recruiting new Big Brothers – 90 Men in 90 Days.
This is in an effort to match the more than 30 Little Brothers currently on the waitlist with a long-term Big Brother. In addition to matching the young boys on the waitlist Sue Godfrey, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana, hopes this will also encourage more parents to sign-up their sons to be matched.
Based on information from the Indiana Youth Institute, in East Central Indiana, 26% of children live in a single-parent, female led, home. That means these young children are at risk of growing up without a positive male role model that will stand by them and empower them to reach their full potential. Young men that are mentored by a caring male mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in higher education and more likely to avoid risky behaviors.
The organization recently launched a new brand roll-out that reinforced their mission of creating life-long relationships. The message centers around the fact that potential is innate within every child, and we, as adults, and Bigs are here to defend that potential.
“The most frequent request for a mentor comes from a mom or other female guardian of a young boy. They’re looking for someone who can help their child navigate the difficulties of being a man in today’s world. We’re looking for men who can both provide a positive role model and be child-like at times.”said Sue Godfrey, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana.
Photo provided by: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Amanda Price, a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana, said “We need all hands on deck for this initiative. We are excited to reach more men, to empower and encourage them in defending the potential of the youth in our community. When young boys have a caring and consistent male role model in their lives they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and instead focus on academics and inspiring interests. Being a Big Brother can help them navigate those challenges to reach their true potential.”
We are ready to build the biggest possible future for our community. Together, we are Defenders of Potential.
Those men interested in becoming a Big Brother should visit their website at bbbseci.org/become-a-big/
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Indiana is one of the 270+ affiliates around the country helping children achieve their full potential Their mission is to build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth.
