January 2016 marks the 15th annual National Mentoring Month (NMM). Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake (BBBSGC) is embracing this opportunity to raise awareness about the need for mentors in the community and increase the number of youth served through caring, mentoring relationships.
National Mentoring Month helps to generate public discussion about the need to integrate youth mentoring as a main component in youth development within the community. Throughout NMM, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ goal is to inspire members in the community to volunteer and/or donate to its mentoring program and to become an advocate in support of public policies related to mentoring.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is showing their NMM support throughout the month. Some of the important dates to recognize include:
- January 14, 2016: “I Am a Mentor Day”—Volunteers are encouraged to share stories and experiences about mentoring on social media using #MentorIRL and #BBBSMentor. On January 14, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake will also host a Business After Hours Event (BAH) through the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
- January 18, 2016: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—Community members around the nation are encouraged to give back through local service, including mentoring.
- January 21, 2016: “Thank Your Mentor Day”—Anyone who has ever been mentored is encouraged to show appreciation to a past or current mentor by sending a ‘Thank You’ (over social media, through the mail, or in person.)
To help BBBSGC recognize January as NMM, County Commissioners throughout the Eastern Shore will be presenting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake with proclamations. Counties granting proclamations include, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Worcester, Wicomico, Queen Anne’s and Somerset Counties.
The Business After Hours Event to recognize January as National Mentoring Month will feature BBBSGC and other local mentoring groups such as the Wicomico Mentoring Project. It will be held in the 2nd floor conference room of the Greater Salisbury Building at 200 West Main Street, Salisbury, MD 21801, from 4:30 to 6:30PM. The BAH event is sponsored by The United Way of The Lower Eastern Shore with support from WCDC and Bordeleau Winery. Free 2-hour parking is available in the rear lot and guests are asked to use the rear entrance. To register for the BAH event, please call the Salisbury Chamber at 410-749-0144. For more information about BBBSGC, visit www.biglittle.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake (BBBSGC) is a nonprofit, youth development organization committed to helping children reach their fullest potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships and a full range of youth mentoring programs with measurable impact. Founded in 1952, BBBSGC is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the State of Maryland. Research proves that through Big Brothers Big Sisters, children facing overwhelming odds can thrive and achieve long-term success with the support of positive adult role models. www.biglittle.org
