Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) held its fourth Page Day at the Indiana Statehouse on April 8. Sixteen Little Brothers and Little Sisters from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana spent the day at the Statehouse becoming more engaged in the political process, gaining valuable education outside of the classroom and bringing awareness to the impact of mentoring in central Indiana.
BBBSCI CEO, Darcey Palmer-Shultz, shares, “We believe it’s important for youth to learn about the legislative process and how to use their voices on behalf of issues important to them. That’s why our agency hosts this event. We want the youth in our program to have an opportunity to develop the confidence and know-how to be active citizens in our community. We also want to give legislators the opportunity to meet and hear from some of the boys and girls living in their districts.”
Participants toured the offices of the Governor, the Indiana House and Senate and the Indiana Supreme Court. The Little Brothers and Little Sisters observed floor sessions, various committee meetings and assisted staff members in their daily duties. In addition to these Page Day activities, the Little Brothers, Little Sisters and agency representatives had lunch with the legislators representing their district.
This is but one outing of many for the kids and grown-ups who participate in the program. The kids and the adult volunteers who mentor them go to sporting events, movies, hikes, and much more together. It’s a part of the process of helping kids from challenging backgrounds see another perspective of the world.
In addition to being a Brother or Sister to a child, there is also a program for Big Couples, where spouses can mentor a child together. Couples like the flexible arrangements possible — perhaps one takes the Little for a hike one weekend, the other takes the Little for another activity the next, and they can schedule another activity together.
The goal of BBBSCI is to help young people achieve more with support from a trusted adult mentor. Studies have shown the young people do better in school, and they report that their perspective on what was possible in life changed when they had strong mentors to lead.
Volunteers for the BBSCI are needed now more than ever. There are 400 children waiting for a Big Brother/Sister/Couple. Most are boys from the east side who need a Big Brother. For the investment of just a few hours a week, you can make all the difference in the world in a child’s life. And they’ll make a difference in yours as well.
To find out more on how to volunteer, visit the Web site www.bebigforkids.org.
