Foster personal transformation and promote stronger, safer communities by mentoring a child. Be a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” One child. One hour or two a week.

This form of companionship can have a profound impact on a child living in challenging circumstances. Poverty and its associated problems. Absent parents. Previous experience of abuse of one form or another. Limited choices. Few options. All made worse by current economic conditions which are creating more hardship and stress for families. Now more than ever, it takes a “village to raise a child.” Be part of that village.

Can mentoring a child be a strategy for social change?

Yes, if one engages this child in a variety of positive recreational and educational activities.
Yes, if one helps this child to see beyond their current circumstances and to aspire to a more healthy, creative and productive life.
Yes, if one exposes this child to new ideas and other perspectives.
And yes, if one encourages this child to reflect on their experience and to learn to make better choices in school and in life.

This approach to social change requires us to step outside of our “comfort zone,” to move beyond the boundaries of our class, race, ethnicity, social network and personal routines in order to connect with people with very different cultures and life experiences. It also takes intention and time.

Time? Don’t think you have time in your schedule to accommodate this kind of relationship? Reflect on how you live your life and how you spend your “free” time. Consider how much is wasted in unnecessary, unproductive activities. Consider how easy it would be to include a child in the some of the recreational activities that you already enjoy. And consider how much fun you can have hanging out with a child!

* Visit the website: bbbsnorthbay.org
* Call the Santa Rosa office at 707-584-2780
* Join us at a “mixer” with current Big Brothers Big Sisters on March 25 at the Starbucks at 860 Hopper Avenue in Santa Rosa between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. Please RSVP.
* And talk to family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers who you feel would make good “big Brothers” and “Big Sisters.”
Thank you.