GO BIG Tampa Bay: It takes Little to be BIG

By Chris Letsos, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has launched a bold, new campaign to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today.

Today, one in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive, adult mentor in their lives. The gap between mentorship and youth

who need it most continues to widen due to perceived barriers of the time, expertise and resources needed to become a mentor.

Understanding the critical need, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is set to engage BIG alumni, and supporters, to highlight the mentorship moments that inspire potential, and encourage, volunteers as well as donors to help bridge the gap between people and possibility.

There are several ways to Go Big with Big Brothers Big Sisters, to empower every young person with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact will last a lifetime.

Become a Big – It does not take a lot to become a Big. You do not need certain qualifications or a certain title. You just need to be caring, compassionate and willing.

Share your Big story – Join our alumni network and celebrate your experiences as a Big or Little!

Give Big – Financial support is essential for the sustainability of our program, so consider a gift and inspire others to give.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe in the power of mentorship as we have seen its lifelong impact for the thousands of kids we have served and on the lives of Bigs who serve as mentors. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters is transforming what mentorship looks like in Tampa Bay and calling on people in our region to join us in this movement and be part of something big. Through this campaign, our partners, alumni and supporters will create access, and opportunity, for more kids through mentorship as we strive to close the mentorship gap and create lasting impact in countless lives.

Mentorship changes lives. The power of mentorship lies in the moments that spark curiosity, aspiration and inspiration. Even the littlest moments can grow into big ones – with a little encouragement, a little hope and a little inspiration. It takes a little time, a little encouragement and a laugh, or two, so that every child has what—and who—they need to achieve a BIGGER and brighter future.

With a mission to create, and support, one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power, and promise, of youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ vision is for all youth to achieve their full potential. In 2022, 99% of Littles were not involved with the juvenile justice system, 98% were promoted to the next grade level, 97% maintained or improved their educational aspirations and 94% maintained or improved in academics.