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We recently had an “I was today years old” moment. Courtesy of an Insta post by Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton, or simply BGCBigs Edmonton from last October. It read, “Research has shown that happy hormones and brain activity increase when volunteering.”
A little sniff on Google proved that BGCBigs’ claim is, in fact, true. Especially when you are mentoring young people in your community.
Sure, it is a satisfying feeling but there’s more to it. Mentoring holds as much learning for mentors as it does for mentees. You understand your own challenges. You realize your own potential. You develop meaningful relationships and experiences. And BGCBigs Edmonton is letting you do all that.
The non-profit provides kids and youth (and their families) with support and services to aid healthy development. The goal is to empower them to reach their full potential.
Right now they are on a mission to recruit 1,000 volunteers over the next year as part of their Little Big Moments initiative. Interested in boosting those happy hormones (and making a real difference)? Here are 6 ways you can join the movement and help BGCBigs Edmonton change the lives of vulnerable kids and youth—
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is one of the most popular programs in the non-profit world. It is all about extending friendship and support to your mentee. This could mean exploring your creative side by spending an afternoon colouring with your little, playing catch. Or just hanging out, listening to and understanding them.
You can do this either as a Teen Mentor or as an In-School Mentor. Either way, you will spend time with your mentee in school, bond with them and help them with their school work. Don’t worry if your math skills are a little rusty. Because the program focuses as much on literacy as it does on friendship.
If academics is your strong point, you can become a Reading & Tutoring mentor. It is exactly as it sounds. Each week, you’ll host virtual sessions of 45-60 mins with your mentee (grades 1-12) and help them with math, science, literacy and other subjects.
If the classroom isn’t your cup of tea, you can become a Club/ OST (Out of School Time) mentor. As part of the program, mentees can harness other skills. Think going on fun, educational trips, playing sports, baking and more. All this while also enjoying snacks and hot meals.
For kids and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, BGCBigs has a unique mentoring program— PRISM (Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety, Mentoring). If you identify as 2SLGBTQ+ you can guide and empower these mentees and help them thrive.
If you’d rather work behind the scenes, BGCBigs still has volunteer ops for you. You can become an agency volunteer and help manage their local food banks around Edmonton. You just have to take out a few hours each week!
Ready to create your “Little Big” memories? Head over to the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area website and see how you can have a ‘big’ impact!
Non-profit organization supporting vulnerable kids and youth
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