What better way to start a new year than by mentoring a young person? January is National Mentoring Month, as well as the month to make New Year's resolutions.
"This year," said Dave Mosher, president of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, "if you become a mentor, it may be the one resolution you will want to keep." Just a few hours a couple of times a month can make a big difference in a child's life, and it can be a rewarding experience, he said.
Not sure you're mentor material?
"There are some commonly held misperceptions," according to Big Brothers Big Sisters Director Jean Busker. "One is that a mentor has to have a big job or standing in the community. The fact is, kids don't care about titles, only the caring and commitment.
"There is also the misperception that it takes too much time to be a mentor. Our volunteers spend a few hours a couple of times a month with their Littles. It's the quality of the time spent, not the quantity."
Some people tell caseworker Kirsten Boll they worry that they will run out of ideas for things to do with a Little Brother or Little Sister. The fact is, the organization provide ideas on low-cost or free activities.
One Big said, "Spending time with my Little Brother is easy. Stuff I'd do by myself is more fun with him."
Another said he makes time for community service, like volunteering to hand out food, among the activities he has with his Little Brother. "It's so important for his growth, in terms of building his self-esteem, to know that he can change the world, even if it's just a small thing. It's the small things that make a difference," he said.
Mentoring makes a big difference. Research shows that one-to-one, professionally supported mentoring has a direct, measurable and lasting impact. Children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to be involved in violence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is actively recruiting mentors.
Too few young people have a caring adult mentor to provide encouragement and support. Mentoring can provide the link to this support. BBBS needs volunteers to close the gap. Resolve to mentor a child. For more information, call 325-7855 and ask for Busker or Boll.
United Way funds 20 percent of BBBS needs. Community contributions fund 15 percent and may be sent to 1505 9th St., Monroe.
"This year," said Dave Mosher, president of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, "if you become a mentor, it may be the one resolution you will want to keep." Just a few hours a couple of times a month can make a big difference in a child's life, and it can be a rewarding experience, he said.
Not sure you're mentor material?
"There are some commonly held misperceptions," according to Big Brothers Big Sisters Director Jean Busker. "One is that a mentor has to have a big job or standing in the community. The fact is, kids don't care about titles, only the caring and commitment.
"There is also the misperception that it takes too much time to be a mentor. Our volunteers spend a few hours a couple of times a month with their Littles. It's the quality of the time spent, not the quantity."
Some people tell caseworker Kirsten Boll they worry that they will run out of ideas for things to do with a Little Brother or Little Sister. The fact is, the organization provide ideas on low-cost or free activities.
One Big said, "Spending time with my Little Brother is easy. Stuff I'd do by myself is more fun with him."
Another said he makes time for community service, like volunteering to hand out food, among the activities he has with his Little Brother. "It's so important for his growth, in terms of building his self-esteem, to know that he can change the world, even if it's just a small thing. It's the small things that make a difference," he said.
Mentoring makes a big difference. Research shows that one-to-one, professionally supported mentoring has a direct, measurable and lasting impact. Children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to be involved in violence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is actively recruiting mentors.
Too few young people have a caring adult mentor to provide encouragement and support. Mentoring can provide the link to this support. BBBS needs volunteers to close the gap. Resolve to mentor a child. For more information, call 325-7855 and ask for Busker or Boll.
United Way funds 20 percent of BBBS needs. Community contributions fund 15 percent and may be sent to 1505 9th St., Monroe.