Mentorship Blog
National Mentoring Month: A Story 20 Years In The Making
In honor of National Mentoring Month, we want to share a particularly special story about the power of mentorship and how it can not only positively impact the life of a child, but how it can also lead to a lifelong relationship. Former mentee, Lisa, has shared with us some
Give the Gift of Mentorship
This holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest is celebrating each Little, Big, volunteer, donor, and contributor who makes up the ecosystem of our important work -- keeping our mission of improving the lives of youth and helping them achieve their full potential. We are dedicated to
Giving Thanks: Paul Buller
This time of year is when we reflect on what and who we are thankful for. Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, we are grateful for all of our volunteers who make it possible to serve the youth in our community. And we would like to
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Youth today face bullying in many forms. "Bullying is intentional tormenting in physical, verbal, or psychological ways. It can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, and mocking to extorting money and possessions. Some kids bully by shunning others and spreading rumors about them. Others use social media or electronic messaging
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month 2022
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month! Big Brothers Big Sisters Month recognizes the critical importance of mentoring relationships. Mentoring is more than volunteering your time, it is making a positive, lifelong difference in a child’s life. Why Mentoring Matters: Did you know that one in three kids in America
Become a Mentor This Fall!
Back to School is right around the corner! Now is the time to commit to mentoring a child. Mentoring helps with school performance, self-confidence and stretches a child's thinking about their future. Strapped for time yourself? We have two site-based programs that can fit into your busy schedule: MentorU and
How To Be a Great Mentor
We all know that mentoring has been proven to empower the potential of youth, but what makes a great mentor? In this TED Talk, teacher and internship program director, Kenneth Oritz, shares his thoughts on what is needed to develop successful mentor relationships to raise up the next generation of
Why You Should Join Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2022
For 40 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has been a hallmark fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters, nationally. Each year half a million people gather across America to bowl and raise money for BBBS mentoring programs. Through this effort, $20 million is raised, nationwide! What is BFKS? Bowl for Kids’
Big Brothers Big Sisters Receives Historic Donation
On May, 24, 2022, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America announced receipt of its largest gift ever received: $122.6 million from MacKenzie Scott. While Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest is not one of the 38 direct beneficiaries of this gift, this is yet another major validation for
Bullies, School, and Social Media
Mentors know school isn’t just about classes and grades, it is about learning about yourself and how to navigate the world around you. The social aspect of school is very different than it used to be. Today, everything follows a kid home on social media, good and bad. Unfortunately, students
Mentoring and Self-Esteem
The first step to gaining self-esteem is to develop a sense of self and with so many messages from the media, peers, and family on how to be, it presents a real struggle for young people to understand who they are as a person. It is a common misconception amongst
Who Can Be a Mentor?
Its Myth Buster time! A common myth about mentorship is the adult should have experienced a balanced or stable childhood to be a good role model for a youth today. Who makes a good mentor? Can the man who grew up in foster care be a mentor? YES! Can the