Big Brothers Big Sisters Making National Mentoring Month Push

(KNSI) – January is National Mentoring Month, and there is a significant need for volunteers in the area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota Recruiter Emmitt Edwards says the organization has dozens upon dozens of littles who need a guide as they grow up. “We’re still at about 110. So, we did bring that number down from the campaign that feels like over a year ago. But still looking for littles to be matched up and still looking for those bigs and those people in the community who are looking for something new to do with the New Year.”

Edwards says the average person thinking about being a big has a pair of primary concerns that fuel hesitancy. “Two of the biggest things is, one, people get caught up in the requirements. We say a couple of times a month for a couple hours, and right away, people think, ‘Well, I go on vacation next month,’ or ‘I family Christmas out west.’ And then the second is just, ‘Am I going to be a good mentor?'”

On the first point, Edwards says they are incredibly flexible and can adapt to get mentors time with their littles. As far as the second concern, Edwards says there are preplanned outings that can act as a guide when scheduling something. He suggests that it isn’t really needed, though.

Edwards’ advice is simply that it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. He says just to do what you would normally do. If you are a sports fan, head to a Rox game on a Saturday evening. Or if you have to get some yard work and snow shoveling done, have a little join you. Even in the routine things, there are valuable lessons to teach.

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