Lanark County to show its support for Big Brothers Big Sisters by ‘Turning it Teal’ this September
September is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) month and the local Lanark County chapter is celebrating BBBS Day by “Turning it Teal” on Sept. 18.
The Turning it Teal campaign was conceived by Research Development Coordinator Angie Beaupre to raise awareness about the power of mentoring. The BBBS team hopes this initiative will spread a positive message, while simultaneously helping them reach new potential mentors and volunteers.
Some in the community may be familiar with the Painting the Town Purple campaign, which BBBS started back in 2018. The organization’s branding colour has now changed to teal, so their recruitment campaign is taking on a new creative direction.
Beaupre told Lanarkist, “I attended our national convention in 2018 and another agency discussed how they were using Turning it Teal as an awareness and volunteer recruitment campaign, and I wanted to see if we could create the same buzz in Lanark County.”
Local communities throughout Lanark County are showing their support for this special day by adding a touch of teal to their local landmarks throughout the week of Sept. 15 to 21. In addition, local levels of government will officially proclaim September to be Big Brothers Big Sisters Month.
Beaupre expressed her gratitude for the neighbouring communities, “each local mayor and council have been a wonderful support to this campaign, supporting us by reading proclamations that September be recognized as BBBS month and that Sept. 18 be BBBS Day.”
As mental health crises are higher than ever among youth in this country, there is no better time than now to become a mentor, a role that benefits both you and the mentee. According to the local agency, there are almost 50 children and youth in Lanark County waiting to have a mentor in their life.
“There is scientific research to explain both why mentorship works, and how significantly it truly does change lives,” a press release from BBBS of Lanark County explains. “When you mentor a young person, you’re providing a stable, healthy, committed relationship with an adult.”
Beaupre shared that when the organization is recruiting new volunteers, they are seeking these qualities:
- Someone who can be consistent and meet every week with the mentee
- Is respectful, a good listener, and a good role model
- Is adaptable to communicate with the mentee at their level
- Is trustworthy, non-judgmental, and patient
- Has strong self-esteem
- Accepts responsibilities, provides leadership, and reinforces positive behaviour.
For information about how to become a mentor and make a direct impact on the youth in your community, you can reach out to cliff.woods@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or call 613-283-0570.