Pictured: Nick and his Little, Gabriel. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Highlands, Hardee, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Collier counties is launching its annual “100 Men in 100 Days” campaign to encourage men to become a Big Brother and volunteer with the organization. The campaign which was first launched in 2013, runs from February 6 thru May 12, 2023. It first began because of the need for more positive adult male role models to match with young men. The recruitment campaign comes at a good time, as there are 107 boys waiting to be matched with a positive male role model. 

The matches between a Big and Little are often described as ‘perfect’ by those who participate, but making the match is not a quick and easy process. According to Gina Taylor, Vice President of Communications and Marketing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, there is a lot of work and thought that goes into forming the relationships. “First, potential Bigs meet with a mentor manager who learns their interests, personality and matching preferences,” she says. “Then, background screening, fingerprinting and reference checks are conducted. Once approved as a Big, all mentors will complete online or in-person training prior to being matched. When we identify a Little who’s a great fit for the volunteer based on compatibility, interests and geographic proximity, we set up an introduction. Ongoing match support is provided by mentor managers.”

The youth in the programs range from age 6 through 18. There is also a program called Big Futures where the mentor is matched with the youth to the age of 21.

Mentoring is one of the most rewarding, enjoyable and simple things a volunteer can do. For as little as one hour a week, volunteers can add joy to the life of a child, and ultimately, contribute greatly to his or her potential. Activities can range from anything including attending or participating in sporting events, swimming, shooting hoops, going to car shows, movies, playing chess, checkers or just hanging out. Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big makes a real difference in the life of a child. Littles experience improvements in academic performance, behavior and relationships at home and and elsewhere, according to independent studies. A quote like this from a Little who was matched with a Big is not uncommon: “Thank you for believing in me and for not giving up on me."

"We often hear people say they don’t have the time," shares Taylor. "It only takes an hour a week for our site-based program or twice a month for our community-based program. We work with the volunteers schedule and are flexible."

Big Brother Rich Puckett has been mentoring young men for many years. “Being a mentor may not change the world, but it will change the world of the child you mentor” he shares.

To become a Big and contribute greatly to a child’s potential, please call (855) 501-BIGS (2447), (941) 488-4009, or visit bbbssun.org.

Pictured: Nick and his Little, Gabriel. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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