Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a charity that provides mentoring relationships with adults to help children develop. Participants are less likely to drop out of school, use drugs, or commit crimes. The organization carefully selects mentors and strives to make the best match between child and mentor.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a charitable organization that helps children develop to their full potential through the use of mentoring relationships with adults. Children who participate in the organization are assigned an older brother or sister who agrees to serve as a mentor and role model, ideally for an extended period of time to create continuity for the child. In addition to operating extensively in the United States, the group also operates overseas.
According to records kept by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, program participants are far less likely to drop out of school, start using drugs or commit crimes. The kids in these programs also tend to be much more confident and outgoing, which gives them a better chance of succeeding in the world. Any child can participate, although the program often includes a number of low-income and at-risk children, assuming they are the most likely to benefit from supportive mentoring relationships.
The roots of the organization can be found in the early 1900s when mentorship organizations for young boys were established in several American cities and got its name from the merger of Big Brothers of America and Big Sisters International in 1977. Today it is considered one of the main charities, regularly earns high marks from organizations that monitor charities and is one of the leading mentoring organizations in the United States.
Because of the obvious risk inherent in allowing unrelated adults to spend unsupervised time with children, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is very careful in selecting adults who wish to participate as mentors in the program. When someone volunteers, they are carefully interviewed and the organization performs a background check and home inspection. The organization may also require proof of insurance and registration on any vehicles the child may be traveling in, and require impeccable references.
The mentors who participate in the group’s programs are incredibly diverse. Some are professionals such as doctors, teachers, lawyers and firefighters who hope to inspire the younger generation with their careers, but artists, tradesmen and people from a wide variety of walks of life are also welcome. The organization usually strives to make the best possible match between child and mentor, to foster a healthy and lasting friendship; some attendees continue to stay in touch after their little brother or sister comes of age, illustrating the powerful connection that can be created.
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