By 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri has kicked off the “Show Up for Youth” campaign, a six-month effort to recruit 300 volunteers, with a specific need for black male mentors.
Black Little Brothers can find unique support in mentoring relationships with male volunteers of the same race, especially now when lives are significantly disrupted.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and recent protests for justice continue to affect our Black community, and our youth need “Bigs” who can connect with them on a very personal level,” said BBBSEMO director of volunteer recruitment, Linda Robinson.
“Matches between Black Bigs and Littles promote positive racial identity, while letting young males know they matter,” Robinson added. “That means improved social, emotional and mental health – and that’s an outcome with benefits for kids, families, adult volunteers and the community alike.”
The “Show Up for Youth” campaign is also recruiting spouses and families to be Big Couple and Big Family matches, due to the large number of boys on the waiting list.
To sign up to become a Big, visit bbbsemo.org/volunteer. For more information about how your organization can support the campaign or to attend virtual information sessions on July 17, July 22 and July 30, contact Robinson at lrobinson@bbbsemo.org.
Comments