|
United Way Day of Caring mobilizes community for mentoring awareness
Boise, Idaho—United Way of Treasure Valley, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Mentoring Network, is mobilizing volunteers throughout the Valley for a one-day event Thursday, November 15, to raise awareness about the importance of youth mentoring.
The United Way Day of Caring is an opportunity for adult volunteers to try the experience of being a Big Brother or Big Sister. In Ada County, adults will visit a school in the Boise, Meridian, or Kuna school district (noon time activity); and in Canyon County, they will visit a Nampa school (noon time), or the Nampa Boys and Girls Club or Caldwell YMCA (after school).
After a short orientation volunteers will be matched with a child and will have the opportunity to have lunch or a snack with them and participate in a variety of different activities. The trial run will give volunteers an idea of what it is like to be a mentor to see if it’s a good fit for them. The registration deadline to participate in the Day of Caring is Monday, November 5th. Volunteers can register online. Click here to learn more.
“Mentoring is one of the best ways to have an influence on the life of a child,” explained Sally Zive, President and CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley. Zive emphasized that committing to a child is not about elaborate gifts or activities, but rather it’s about the time spent together doing little things. “Throw a Frisbee in the park, play a video game, make cookies—it’s the time together that really matters. Even a couple of hours a month can make a difference.”
Rob Christensen, who works for the Boise City Housing Authority, attended the 2006 Day of Caring to see if becoming a mentor was right for him. “I was sold. Being able to impact a young person’s life and be a positive influence before they get in to trouble really made sense to me.” Rob has now been matched with his Little Brother Bryce for almost a year. Rob attends Bryce’s football games and the two enjoy spending time together doing what Bryce calls “guy stuff.”
According to a national study on the impact of mentoring, ‘Littles’ who meet with their “Bigs” for at least a year are:
- 46% less likely to start using drugs.
- 27% less likely to start drinking.
- 33% less likely to act violently.
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school and earn higher grades.
Sponsors of the United Way Day of Caring include the Idaho Business Review, North By Northwest Productions and Stoltz Marketing Group. The ‘Men in Need’ PSA produced pro-bono by Stoltz and North By Northwest for last year’s event went on to win a national Addy Award, and is now being tested in markets for a national campaign for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters contact Jenny Price at 208.377.2552 or visit www.bbbsidaho.org.
# # #
About United Way of Treasure Valley
For nearly 80-years, United Way has been working on community problems and improving lives right here in the Treasure Valley with measurable results in three priority areas – helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability for working families, and improving people’s health.
|