RIGHTIO...Here we go! An organisation close to my heart: BBBS
Rightio indeed~! Yes, fellas, women have at LEAST 20,000 words to 'get out' per day, so here I go.
I want to share my admiration, respect, and love for a particular group of people whom largely...go unnoticed. We banter about the word 'LOVE' a lot these days, I know I certainly do, but when you have a strong feeling for a person, an organization, a deed or an act...a furry friend ~ USE it; TELL the world about it because sharing the positive only creates a good atmosphere. We have enough negativity to shout about these days...
So, what do YOU know about Big Brothers Big Sisters? Anything? A lot? A little, perhaps?
Let me tell you a bit. As I was born in America I know of these people and they do great work. My Mother used to talk about them when I was a child and I know she appreciated the impact these people made then and NOW.
1904 - can you believe it? BBBS began in 1904 and it is still growing and going strong today. Doesn't that SAY everything? The premise with which they began decades ago is alive and well and needed. BBBS' EFFORTS are needed just as much today (or perhaps even more...?) as they were needed in 1904. Let that sink in for a bit.
How did BBBS begin? With ONE HUMAN BEING; ONE humble man whom saw a need. What did he see? His name was Ernest Coulter and Ernest was a court reporter in New York City's courts. Ernest saw very young boys going through NYC's courts, but the sad news was that they were returning. Ernest saw them repeatedly. Many were appearing in court for small misdemeanors time and time again, but Ernest knew these tiny offences could turn into something much more serious. What did he DO? Ernest saw a need in the community and he reached out and began discussions and found volunteers. Caring men in the community gave their time and energy to these offending young boys and a strong mentorship developed.
At the same time the Ladies of Charity were looking after and assisting young girls in need.
It took 3 years, but in 1907 these 2 organizations joined forces and I bet they did NOT HAVE A CLUE that their good work, their good deeds would reach far into the future.
If you're having a coffee or a glass of vino AND if you want to read more about the rich and vibrant history of BBBS ~ simply go to:
www.bbbs.org/
In Australia...Big Brothers Big Sisters will be celebrating 40 YEARS of goodness this year. Isn't that fantastic?
So, here's my take and this is why I love them so much.
Do you know a young boy or girl whom seems as though they could use a little extra support? I certainly do. I know quite a few as a matter of fact.
Does this mean that their parents are not doing a proper job? Absolutely NOT.
Are the young minds you know offenders?...have they broken any laws or committed any misdemeanors? Well, they could have, but probably not. BBBS supports young minds for a myriad of reasons.
Today ~ what do our young, impressionable minds face?
Each and every day they face pressure and stress from school, classmates, and peers. That stress comes in all different shapes and sizes and you are I probably DON'T HAVE A CLUE how huge this pressure feels to these young and precious minds.
But, some of us can remember, can't we? Some readers clearly know how difficult it was to speak to a parent about personal concerns or to share something intensely private.
Some times a kid simply needs someone outside of the family sphere with whom then can HAVE A CHAT. Sounds uncomplicated, but CHATTING, having a small discussion can be the beginning to unfolding feelings/emotions/a mental state that is TIED in a KNOT and becoming increasingly harder to untangle.
Each of us experiences stress at some point in our lives and there are different levels. As adults we have learned to use the tools we have developed throughout the years to face stresses or feelings of inadequacy. Young minds don't have those tools...yet...they do not know where to begin; many withdraw ~ some stay in their rooms for abnormal amounts of time ~ other children want to drop out of school or activities they used to enjoy.
And...my dear mates, WHAT ABOUT BULLYING? Yeah, okay some of us may have been bullied in primary school, or junior or high school. But...we did not have social media. My Gosh. Sprinkle bullying into social media outlets and you have just brewed a DISASTER. Mind-boggling - cannot fathom what some kids have already been forced to endure.
No clue about the rates in the States (at this moment), but Australia is just about the geographical size of America and, sadly, I can report today that suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 15 - 24. This is unacceptable. I am well aware that suicide has been in existence since the beginning of time and we may be HEARING about it more in today's times, but...does that fact even matter? Children, young minds with no will to live and an enormous desire to flee the pain - HURTS and hits home.
No parent should suffer the loss of a child. But, it happens time and time again.
So, without drenching YOU in stats and mission statements and personal history...I want you to chew on this for a while:
We are busy. We have more 'gadgets' to help us along with our lives now, yet...we are eternally out of time. Bull. We have the time ~ we make the time to do the things we WANT to do - each and every single day. That is how we direct and manage our individual lives.
ONE HOUR per week - YES - I am typing one hour per week because THIS IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES FOR A 'BIG' (Big Brother, Big Sister) to dedicate to a 'SMALL' - (a beautiful, young, vulnerable being trying to find his/her way in the world) and make a difference.
This child's everyday existence will change for the good; this child can have hope for the future. Lives change and my big bet is that the life of a 'SMALL' is not the only life that will be transformed.
I cannot wait to be a 'BIG' for a 'SMALL' - boy or girl, does not matter; I want to help and support and teach and instill and give.
Guess what? I want you to do the same, TOO. But, that is your decision, not mine. This post is food for thought.
WHY am I so completely interested and devoted to this mission? Well, some of my reasons are terribly private, but, most of you know me and know my wonderful, beautiful son chose to end his life and he made this decision prior to his 25th birthday. Beyond Sad. No repair in this area of my heart and nothing I do today can change this fact.
But..I do wonder if my son had had a male figure with whom he could confide, would I have had him a little longer? I will never know.
Without my getting more serious and more sad, PLEASE UNDERSTAND that BBBS is about prevention. Not only preventing a child or young adult from entering juvenile detention or preventing suicide, THOSE ARE IMMENSE ISSUES, but what about the everyday issues of stress, bullying, low (extremely) self-esteem and confidence? A Big Brother or a Big Sister can certainly be an additional support system to Mom or Dad.
Not all of these children are from broken families. Some kids may have lost a Mother or Father through illness; some children have both parents working multiple jobs and there is not a lot of 'life or time' left over for the little ones. There are as many reasons for BBBS as there are children.
In some instances it takes a long while to match a 'Big' with a 'Small' due to needs and location. BBBS takes great strides in making the best possible match they could make. I like that.
If you choose to accept this challenge you will be in your 'Small's' life for a three (3) year period. HOW GOOD IS THAT?
Here is the other dilemma I am most stressed about - angry, to be honest. The federal government does not fund South Australia's BBBS. Whaaaaaaat? Yes, that's correct. From what I've read funding continues go to Victoria and New South Wales, but South Australia was left of the list.
Not. Good. Enough.
Always seems to be the case though, the bigger cities are the most important cities? BULL.
South Australian children are equally important as the young minds of Victoria and New South Wales.
This needs to change; I want to help make THIS CHANGE.
Watch this space. More to come.
In the meantime have a GREAT, BIG THINK about giving one hour a week of YOUR life to make a lifetime of difference to a precious, young, being.
Yes, BBBS needs money. I will be reaching out to fellow community members in the very near future. They need volunteers, too, always and forever.
Think about this, too: It costs $1,400 per day to keep a child in youth detention. Read it again...I typed 'day'. It costs $1,500 for 12 MONTHS to be a mentor. (See website listed below.)
We prefer prevention, right? We're all together on this, RIGHT?
Yes, I have many more words/thoughts on BBBS and the efforts and commitment to children and community, but I'll hold off today.
Want more info? Want more very impressive stats and stories? Please visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au
And, when you seriously decide this is something you want to do and you're so excited and eager and keen that you cannot wait to get more information, reach out to:
sarah.downie@bbbsa.org Phone: 0409 016 086
and...please tell Sarah I sent you!
MORE EXCITING NEWS ABOUT BBBS in the future.
Cheers!
The passionate Blanco of The Roaming Stevens looking forward to supporting a sister or a brother in the future. Giving back is the best thing any of us can do.
Important note: Historical facts and any figures used in this post were obtained from both website sources listed within this blog. Other content is the personal opinion of The Roaming Stevens.
PS: Please excuse any typos.
I want to share my admiration, respect, and love for a particular group of people whom largely...go unnoticed. We banter about the word 'LOVE' a lot these days, I know I certainly do, but when you have a strong feeling for a person, an organization, a deed or an act...a furry friend ~ USE it; TELL the world about it because sharing the positive only creates a good atmosphere. We have enough negativity to shout about these days...
So, what do YOU know about Big Brothers Big Sisters? Anything? A lot? A little, perhaps?
Let me tell you a bit. As I was born in America I know of these people and they do great work. My Mother used to talk about them when I was a child and I know she appreciated the impact these people made then and NOW.
1904 - can you believe it? BBBS began in 1904 and it is still growing and going strong today. Doesn't that SAY everything? The premise with which they began decades ago is alive and well and needed. BBBS' EFFORTS are needed just as much today (or perhaps even more...?) as they were needed in 1904. Let that sink in for a bit.
How did BBBS begin? With ONE HUMAN BEING; ONE humble man whom saw a need. What did he see? His name was Ernest Coulter and Ernest was a court reporter in New York City's courts. Ernest saw very young boys going through NYC's courts, but the sad news was that they were returning. Ernest saw them repeatedly. Many were appearing in court for small misdemeanors time and time again, but Ernest knew these tiny offences could turn into something much more serious. What did he DO? Ernest saw a need in the community and he reached out and began discussions and found volunteers. Caring men in the community gave their time and energy to these offending young boys and a strong mentorship developed.
At the same time the Ladies of Charity were looking after and assisting young girls in need.
It took 3 years, but in 1907 these 2 organizations joined forces and I bet they did NOT HAVE A CLUE that their good work, their good deeds would reach far into the future.
If you're having a coffee or a glass of vino AND if you want to read more about the rich and vibrant history of BBBS ~ simply go to:
www.bbbs.org/
In Australia...Big Brothers Big Sisters will be celebrating 40 YEARS of goodness this year. Isn't that fantastic?
So, here's my take and this is why I love them so much.
Do you know a young boy or girl whom seems as though they could use a little extra support? I certainly do. I know quite a few as a matter of fact.
Does this mean that their parents are not doing a proper job? Absolutely NOT.
Are the young minds you know offenders?...have they broken any laws or committed any misdemeanors? Well, they could have, but probably not. BBBS supports young minds for a myriad of reasons.
Today ~ what do our young, impressionable minds face?
Each and every day they face pressure and stress from school, classmates, and peers. That stress comes in all different shapes and sizes and you are I probably DON'T HAVE A CLUE how huge this pressure feels to these young and precious minds.
But, some of us can remember, can't we? Some readers clearly know how difficult it was to speak to a parent about personal concerns or to share something intensely private.
Some times a kid simply needs someone outside of the family sphere with whom then can HAVE A CHAT. Sounds uncomplicated, but CHATTING, having a small discussion can be the beginning to unfolding feelings/emotions/a mental state that is TIED in a KNOT and becoming increasingly harder to untangle.
Each of us experiences stress at some point in our lives and there are different levels. As adults we have learned to use the tools we have developed throughout the years to face stresses or feelings of inadequacy. Young minds don't have those tools...yet...they do not know where to begin; many withdraw ~ some stay in their rooms for abnormal amounts of time ~ other children want to drop out of school or activities they used to enjoy.
And...my dear mates, WHAT ABOUT BULLYING? Yeah, okay some of us may have been bullied in primary school, or junior or high school. But...we did not have social media. My Gosh. Sprinkle bullying into social media outlets and you have just brewed a DISASTER. Mind-boggling - cannot fathom what some kids have already been forced to endure.
No clue about the rates in the States (at this moment), but Australia is just about the geographical size of America and, sadly, I can report today that suicide is the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 15 - 24. This is unacceptable. I am well aware that suicide has been in existence since the beginning of time and we may be HEARING about it more in today's times, but...does that fact even matter? Children, young minds with no will to live and an enormous desire to flee the pain - HURTS and hits home.
No parent should suffer the loss of a child. But, it happens time and time again.
So, without drenching YOU in stats and mission statements and personal history...I want you to chew on this for a while:
We are busy. We have more 'gadgets' to help us along with our lives now, yet...we are eternally out of time. Bull. We have the time ~ we make the time to do the things we WANT to do - each and every single day. That is how we direct and manage our individual lives.
ONE HOUR per week - YES - I am typing one hour per week because THIS IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES FOR A 'BIG' (Big Brother, Big Sister) to dedicate to a 'SMALL' - (a beautiful, young, vulnerable being trying to find his/her way in the world) and make a difference.
This child's everyday existence will change for the good; this child can have hope for the future. Lives change and my big bet is that the life of a 'SMALL' is not the only life that will be transformed.
I cannot wait to be a 'BIG' for a 'SMALL' - boy or girl, does not matter; I want to help and support and teach and instill and give.
Guess what? I want you to do the same, TOO. But, that is your decision, not mine. This post is food for thought.
WHY am I so completely interested and devoted to this mission? Well, some of my reasons are terribly private, but, most of you know me and know my wonderful, beautiful son chose to end his life and he made this decision prior to his 25th birthday. Beyond Sad. No repair in this area of my heart and nothing I do today can change this fact.
But..I do wonder if my son had had a male figure with whom he could confide, would I have had him a little longer? I will never know.
Without my getting more serious and more sad, PLEASE UNDERSTAND that BBBS is about prevention. Not only preventing a child or young adult from entering juvenile detention or preventing suicide, THOSE ARE IMMENSE ISSUES, but what about the everyday issues of stress, bullying, low (extremely) self-esteem and confidence? A Big Brother or a Big Sister can certainly be an additional support system to Mom or Dad.
Not all of these children are from broken families. Some kids may have lost a Mother or Father through illness; some children have both parents working multiple jobs and there is not a lot of 'life or time' left over for the little ones. There are as many reasons for BBBS as there are children.
In some instances it takes a long while to match a 'Big' with a 'Small' due to needs and location. BBBS takes great strides in making the best possible match they could make. I like that.
If you choose to accept this challenge you will be in your 'Small's' life for a three (3) year period. HOW GOOD IS THAT?
Here is the other dilemma I am most stressed about - angry, to be honest. The federal government does not fund South Australia's BBBS. Whaaaaaaat? Yes, that's correct. From what I've read funding continues go to Victoria and New South Wales, but South Australia was left of the list.
Not. Good. Enough.
Always seems to be the case though, the bigger cities are the most important cities? BULL.
South Australian children are equally important as the young minds of Victoria and New South Wales.
This needs to change; I want to help make THIS CHANGE.
Watch this space. More to come.
In the meantime have a GREAT, BIG THINK about giving one hour a week of YOUR life to make a lifetime of difference to a precious, young, being.
Yes, BBBS needs money. I will be reaching out to fellow community members in the very near future. They need volunteers, too, always and forever.
Think about this, too: It costs $1,400 per day to keep a child in youth detention. Read it again...I typed 'day'. It costs $1,500 for 12 MONTHS to be a mentor. (See website listed below.)
We prefer prevention, right? We're all together on this, RIGHT?
Yes, I have many more words/thoughts on BBBS and the efforts and commitment to children and community, but I'll hold off today.
Want more info? Want more very impressive stats and stories? Please visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au
And, when you seriously decide this is something you want to do and you're so excited and eager and keen that you cannot wait to get more information, reach out to:
sarah.downie@bbbsa.org Phone: 0409 016 086
and...please tell Sarah I sent you!
MORE EXCITING NEWS ABOUT BBBS in the future.
Cheers!
The passionate Blanco of The Roaming Stevens looking forward to supporting a sister or a brother in the future. Giving back is the best thing any of us can do.
Important note: Historical facts and any figures used in this post were obtained from both website sources listed within this blog. Other content is the personal opinion of The Roaming Stevens.
PS: Please excuse any typos.
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