In collaboration with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County launched The Big Draft, an annual volunteer recruitment campaign to encourage more volunteers to become mentors. The campaign is inspired by the NFL Draft—as the NFL drafts its next class of players, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County will draft its next class of mentors.
With the NFL Draft taking place in Green Bay this year, 14 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Wisconsin have teamed up to recruit 700 Bigs across the state. Running from February to April, The Big Draft aims to meet the growing demand for mentorship and cut down the ever-growing waitlist of Littles needing a Big. The Big Draft highlights the game-changing impact of mentorship, showing that anyone can make a lasting difference in the life of a child.
“The exposure of a statewide Big Draft is huge,” says Executive Director Tammy Young. “When more people hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters, we get more Bigs. Plain and simple.”
When a young person has experienced the power of a caring mentor, they’re more likely to excel and make better choices. We strategically match each Little with a Big who meets their specific needs. Bigs model positive behaviors, point out teachable moments, and provide guidance and inspiration. These 1:1 pairings create lasting relationships in the lives of local youth that lead to outcomes such as graduating high school, enrolling in college, and even closing the economic gap.
“Mentorship changes the statistics,” says Program Director Jennifer Smith. “Giving a child opportunities, giving them more of a community, and giving them safe spaces is a step in the right direction for their future.”
There are nearly 130 children waiting for a mentor in the Fond du Lac County area alone. All it takes is 4-6 hours a month hanging out, getting to know each other, and building a friendship to make a real difference in a child’s life. Odyssey Cinemas and Social Fond du Lac 8 has even stepped up to give all new Bigs two free movie passes during The Big Draft—a perfect activity to share with your new Little!
“As a Big Sister, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of mentoring,” says Young. “Whether it’s being there to help encourage going to school, as an outlet for things happening in her life, or just to hang and have fun, it’s important to be there.”
BBBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Fond du Lac County and northern Dodge County. The agency
assists children with social, emotional, and character development through 1:1 and 1:1+ mentoring
opportunities in community-based, site-based, and school-based settings. Youth ages 6 and up can enroll
in the program through parent or guardian referral and stay in the program until they turn 18 or graduate
from high school. Volunteers ages 16 and up who pass a background check and have a valid driver’s
license and auto insurance can be mentors. Visit bbbsfdl.org or call (920) 922-8200 to learn more.
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