September marks Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, a national awareness campaign that underscores the critical role mentors play in shaping children’s lives.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula matches mentors and youth based on shared interests and hobbies. Maggie Munch, director of programs for the organization, said the program typically requires mentors to spend a couple hours each week with their matched youth.
“Kids are like sponges absorbing different information or different perspectives or different hobbies and interests,” Munch said. “You never know what you might spark for a young person by just sharing something that you’re interested in and passionate about.”
While Big Brothers Big Sisters rarely struggles to connect with children seeking mentorship, the organization faces challenges recruiting adult volunteers. Many potential mentors worry about the time commitment and fitting a new relationship into an already busy schedule.
Munch emphasized the long-term benefits mentorship provides youth navigating life’s challenges.
“For young people to navigate through life, the more support we can provide them as they take their path through life, the better,” Munch said. “The more we can help them to tap into their potential to achieve their goals and achieve their greatest possible success in their life. And again, it’s about adding an additional caring person to that child’s life.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month celebrates the connections mentors and youth build through the program. Community members interested in volunteering as a mentor, learning more about the organization, or supporting the program in the Copper Country can find additional information online at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula website.
