Make a Difference This January: Celebrate National Mentoring Month with Big Brothers Big Sisters

As we step into the new year, January brings an opportunity to focus on hope, growth, and connection. National Mentoring Month is a time to celebrate the life-changing power of mentorship and to invite more people to be part of this movement. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region, we are calling on our community to step up, be present, and make a difference in the lives of local youth.

This year, we’re collaborating with other BBBS agencies throughout the state to launch “The Big Draft”: a bold initiative partnering with the NFL and their Inspire Change initiative to recruit mentors. Through this initiative we are changing one community at a time inspiring potential volunteers to connect with youth mentorship through their love of the game. We urgently need caring individuals to connect with our youth, especially those on our waitlist. Right now, there are too many children in need of a Big, and you can help us meet this need. Look for more information on “The Big Draft” in the coming weeks.

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Mentorship Is About Connection, Not Perfection

You don’t have to be a superhero to be a mentor. You just need to be someone who cares. Whether you spend an hour a week grabbing ice cream, playing a board game, shooting hoops, or exploring hobbies, the time spent together is powerful. It’s not about what you do—it’s about showing up, listening, and being consistent. A little bit of time and connection can spark big change.

Our Bigs often tell us, “I get just as much out of this experience as my Little does.” Mentoring creates a two-way street of learning and growth. It’s rewarding, joyful, and can fit into even the busiest schedule.

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Why Mentoring Matters

Youth in our community face challenges every day, from academic struggles to family transitions or simply figuring out where they fit in. Having a mentor to lean on, talk to, and learn from helps them see their strengths and potential. Research shows that mentored youth are:

• 55% more likely to enroll in college

• 78% more likely to volunteer in their communities

• 52% less likely to skip school

• 46% less likely to start using drugs

A small investment of your time can help create lifelong positive outcomes.

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How You Can Get Involved

Become a Big: Sign up to mentor and change a life (yours included!)

Spread the Word: Share the importance of mentoring with friends, family, and coworkers

Support the Mission: Your donations help us provide resources and training to make mentoring successful

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Little Time, Big Impact

One or two hours a week, that’s all it takes. One or two hours to change the course of a child’s life. One or two hours to connect, laugh, and inspire. This January, we invite you to make a resolution that truly matters. Be a mentor. Be a friend. Be the person who helps a child believe in themselves.

 

Ready to Get Started?

Learn More about becoming a mentor or supporting youth in our community. If you have questions, you can contact our office at 608-782-2227 to speak with one of our Program Specialists who can guide you through the process.

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Together, we can ignite potential and create brighter futures—one relationship at a time.