Being a Role Model

Gina Mashburn from Big Brothers, Big Sisters spoke to our class this past Monday.  She is a UNA Grad (RLR!), who majored in sociology and had minors in art and Spanish.  Just a quick side note: I LOVE seeing all of these UNA Grads everywhere!  Makes me super proud to be a Lion!  And now we can get back to our topic of civic engagement...  BBBS is a wonderful organization. 

BBBS makes it their goal to help children who need an additional adult role model in their life by pairing them up with a "Sister" or "Brother."  These "Siblings"  are there to give encouragement and guidance and be a friend.  The best thing about BBBS is how detailed and meticulous they are when pairing children with their Sibling.  They are matched based on talents and interests, and the Sibling can choose the age and race they would like to work with.  Then potential siblings have to fill in an application, send in personal references, check criminal records, and go to an interview.  The Sibling must also have a license and insurance on their car, and in some cases have a home visit.  Additionally, BBBS will not accept anyone who is anticipating a big life change, such as a move.  This process to accept someone in the program takes 3 weeks minimum, and in many cases it takes longer.  BBBS is very thorough with this because they care so much about these children that need a Sibling, and they want to make sure the match will be beneficial to the child.  This organization seems to work hard and keep quality in their program, which I really appreciate. Unfortunately, there is a major lack of Brothers.  Male role models are in high demand at BBBS, so if you are a boy and this interests you, sign up to help!! But of course, they will accept applications for Sisters too!

While I love what this organization stands for, I do not think I can make the commitment for it.  Not only is it a big time commitment, but it's also an emotional commitment to a child that needs a role model.  If I was a role model, I would want to give my all, and I just don't think I can do that right now.  That being said, I would still love to help this organization in some way.  They will be having a gift wrapping station at the mall starting the day after Thanksgiving, and I am planning on helping with that.  I love wrapping presents, and I can sign up to work with a bunch of Honors Program people, which sounds like oodles of fun!  I already can't wait!!