make a difference thursday - mentors

I'm a huge fan of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Have you ever thought about being a mentor?

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. They have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country - including yours.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.

Our Mentoring Programs Work
National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentors have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our youth mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:

• More confident in their schoolwork performance
• Able to get along better with their families
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school.¹

If you don't have time, then consider donating to this wonderful organization.



I also love SMART (Start Making A Reader Today), I volunteered with SMART last year and I had such a great time. I was kind of a floater, so I got to read with a lot of students. It was awesome. If you love to read, and you like kids...SMART rocks.

SMART VISION: An Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed.

SMART MISSION: To engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support.

Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families.

Research shows that:

• 1 in 3 Oregon fourth graders reads below the basic level.
• Children need to learn to read by third grade so they can read to learn.
• Those who don’t learn to read by third grade are more likely to struggle with reading as adults, drop out of school, and be less successfully employed.

These are just two of the many, many organizations that focus on mentoring. If these don't tickle your fancy look into one that is a better fit for you.

YOU CAN make a difference.