In honor of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona introduces a new vision aimed at reducing the waitlist in its mentoring program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Mentoring Month this January. This annual campaign highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship and invites the community to help ignite the potential in children throughout Central Arizona.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that unlock the potential of youth. We refuse to accept waitlists as the norm and are working toward a future where every child seeking mentorship receives it promptly.
BBBSAZ’s 2025 initiative to achieve this is focusing on a two-pronged strategy: targeted marketing to recruit mentors and community outreach through high-impact events. By building partnerships and activating local champions, the organization aims to strengthen their network and reduce the waitlist.
“Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, I learned the value of having someone in your corner when you need it most. That’s what mentorship is—a lifeline that helps kids see their potential and chase it with confidence. During National Mentoring Month, we’re calling on our community to be that person for a child, because no one succeeds alone,” said Luis Vega, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.
As challenges for youth grow, so does our commitment to meet their needs. Together, we can create a stronger mentoring community and a brighter future for all.
Join the Movement: This National Mentoring Month, BBBSAZ encourages individuals, friends, families and community groups to get involved. Here’s how you can make a difference:
· Become a Lunch Time Mentor: Visit one of our partner sites to meet your Little for one hour at least 2 times per month during their lunch break or after school. You can spend time eating lunch, participating in structured activities, playing games, working on homework, or hanging out on the playground.
· Big Duos: Two adults can team up to mentor a Little. “Duos” may be a spouse, significant other, or a close friend. As a duo, the two mentors provide a child with a team of support.
· Family Match: Your entire family can team up to mentor a Little. The Little can join in on family activities.
· Make a financial contribution to support BBBSAZ’s programs and initiatives.
· Spread the word by sharing stories of mentorship on social media using #NationalMentoringMonth and #BiggerTogether.
BBBSAZ will host The Big Event, a special event celebrating the power of mentorship and thank your mentors in the program. The event will feature inspiring stories from Bigs and Littles, community leaders, and just a way to thank our Bigs during the month of mentorship.
“Mentorship is a powerful tool for building stronger, healthier communities,” said Luis Vega, CEO of BBBSAZ. “This National Mentoring Month, we are grateful for our mentors who give their time and heart to make a difference. Together, we can ensure every child’s potential is realized.”
For more information on how to become a Big in our program or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, visit www.bbbsaz.org or contact Eric Brown at ebrown@bbbsaz.org.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARIZONA : For 70 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages six through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. For more information contact BBBSAZ at 602-264-BIGS or www.bbbsaz.org