Find out why girls need Big Sisters and what it takes to be one; plus we hear from the Junior Advisory Board. No images? Click here JULY 2022 ISSUE Dear friends,Summer is often a time when we relax, have fun, play more, and worry less. Yet, at Big Sister, we cannot forget that we are at a critical time for girls. Girls continue to face challenges that include being bombarded with social media images that put unrealistic expectations on them and the longer-term mental health effects of the pandemic. We know that many students are behind academically, feeling the emotional loss of social ties, and experiencing COVID-related trauma. For girls who base their self-worth on relationships, it's imperative for their healthy development to have a support network of trusted, caring adults in their lives. In addition to teachers and family, Big Sisters play an important role in that network. Girls need someone who has no expectations of them other than showing up. I was reminded of the impact of having a Big Sister when I met with our Junior Advisory Board last week. This Board is a paid leadership development opportunity offered through our career readiness program, Our Big Futures. We support Little Sisters who are 14+ years old, along with teenagers in our High School Mentoring program, with resources, workshops, and coaching to help them achieve their education and career goals in order to eventually achieve economic independence. When I met with this group, I talked about my own career trajectory, and the work of a CEO. The young women quickly understood the challenges of leading a non-profit and offered their creative ideas to help with fundraising and recruitment. One said: "Take us [Little Sisters] with you when you ask for money. We will talk about our experience being Little Sisters and how much it means to have a Big Sister." Another said: "I bet women think they don't have time to be Big Sisters; you could help them figure out their schedule so they can make the time." Perhaps you may want to be a Big Sister but don't think you have the time. Let us help you figure out which of our mentoring programs may be a fit for you. Right now, we have Little Sisters who are waiting for you in the neighborhoods of Boston, especially Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, and Hyde Park. Also, in Quincy. If you live in or near one of these areas, we hope you will consider stepping up to become a Big Sister today. Simply call us at 617.236.8077 or start your application online. We’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you feel prepared, supported, and ready for a life-changing relationship. In gratitude, Deborah Re What it Takes to Be a Big Sister “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama The time is now. The person is you. If you’re thinking to yourself: “But I don’t have this yet.. I haven’t attained this level in my job… I don’t have these qualifications…” you’re not alone. Many women think they have to “have it all together” before becoming a mentor and friend to a young girl. The truth is, there’s only two qualifications to becoming a Big Sister: an open heart and an open mind.
The Junior Advisory Board Gets to Work Last week we were excited to welcome the Junior Advisory Board leadership team for their first week of work at Big Sister Boston! Jasmine, Valeria, Betty, Aquila, Angel, Shannon, Tiffany, and Etaira spent time getting to know each other, had their first Financial Literacy workshop with partner Invest in Girls, Inc. (IIG), and had a "Chat & Chill" welcome session with Deb Re where they got to hear about her career journey and the scope her work as our CEO. Check out the video of what they learned on our Facebook or Instagram (must view in the phone app to see the video) posts. Donate Your Gently Used Items! Done with your spring cleaning and don't know what to do with the bags of items you cleaned out of your closets? Donate your gently used clothing and household items to the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. MARK YOUR CALENDAR34th Annual Car Raffle TIME IS ALMOST UP -- GET YOUR TICKET(S) TODAY! A 2022 230i coupe from Herb Chambers BMW of Boston or $40,000 in cash? The choice is yours if you're the grand prize winner in our 34th Annual Car Raffle! Last year we SOLD OUT before drawing day, so be sure to get your ticket(s) today for a chance to win big and drive change in our community! Big in Boston Now in its 16th year, this year's Big in Boston is set to be the BIGGEST one yet. Mark your calendar to join us on October 27, 2022, as we celebrate Deb Re's era of leadership and look to the future of Big Sister Boston! Location to be announced soon! Give & GetShop Global, Give LocalAmazonSmile customers can support Big Sister Association of Greater Boston in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
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