1 in 3 young people will grow up without having a mentor
– either through a formal mentoring program or informally through a family friend or community member – leaving them disconnected from a critical resource to help with these very things.
Make a difference in the life of a child. Fill our our online application to find out more about becoming a Big Pal. Click here to download a printable copy of the Big Pal application.
What makes a good Big Pal?
Before becoming a Big Pal, here are a few things to understand about the role of mentoring. Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates and friends.
Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many Big Pals say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees, and that mentoring has enabled them to:
- Have fun
- Achieve personal growth and learn more about themselves
- Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference
- Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity
- Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work
- Enhance their relationships with their own children
Above all, a good Big Pal is willing to take the time to get to know their Little Pal, to learn new things that are important to the young person, and even to be changed by their relationship.