Becoming a mentor is an important and easy way for an adult to make a difference in a child's life. And the need is great. There are approximately 14 million young people in America, who without positive intervention are in jeopardy of not reaching a successful adulthood, according to a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The results of having a mentor can also be great. A national study conducted by Public/Private Ventures revealed that children with mentors developed higher levels of self-confidence, had improved relationships with adults and peers and developed more positive attitudes towards school. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) provides one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children in 460 programs throughout the U.S. This campaign encourages individuals to volunteer for BBBS and share simple, life-changing moments with a child. First Lady Laura Bush is featured in the latest television PSAs: Hope,Chess, and Lake, launched in January 2005. The spots reveal the simplicity of the role of the Big Brother or Big Sister, while celebrating the togetherness. The PSAs conclude with Mrs. Bush encouraging adults to "Help America's Youth. Be a friend. Be a mentor. Just be there." The campaign has proven effective: Applications from potential mentors to Big Brother Big Sisters soared from 90,000 a year to 620,000 in nine months after the PSA campaign began in October 2002.
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Added: Apr 6, 2007 |
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Author: adcouncil |
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