October 19, 2023

Dates to Remember


Oct. 16-31: Macy’s Local Round-up Charity Event


Oct. 25: Designed Ornaments for Macy's Holiday Windows are due


Oct. 26: T-Mobile Project 10Million Hot Spot Training webinar


Oct. 26: An Introduction to the Volunteer Experience Initiative (VoX) webinar


Nov. 1: Deadline for OJJDP-FY23 (JJ13) application


Nov. 1: Deadline for OJJDP-FY23 (MYIO6) application


Nov. 3: Deadline for Merrell x BBBS Kids Shoe Design Contest


Nov. 3: 2023 EXPRESS + BBBS "Holiday Celebration of Confidence" Shopping Event


Nov. 10: 2023 Macy’s Best Mentor Initiative: Nominations Due


Jan. 19: Deadline to submit a workshop proposal for the 2024 BBBSA National Conference

What's New

2023 Macy’s Best Mentor Initiative: Nominate a BBBS Colleague today!

 

Macy's and Big Brothers Big Sisters are celebrating workplace mentorship by inviting nominations for current BBBS colleagues who have made a meaningful impact through mentoring in the workplace. This recognition offers top finalists a $1000 conference scholarship each, free registration for the 2024 National Conference, and more! Nominations are due by November 10.


Click below for more information about the initiative and submit a nomination of a BBBS staff member today!

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Now Introducing: The BBBS Game Changers Initiative


We are excited to announce Game Changersa new influencer initiative that unites the collective power of prominent leaders and changemakers to help tackle key issues impacting youth today. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Game Changers will rally these influential voices with one purpose: to elevate mentoring in our country and inspire game-changing experiences for young people who need to see and experience mentors like them.


Our ultimate vision is to expand Game Changers to future groups or cohorts of leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to reflect the many inspiring stories and journeys of the young people across our country who need positive mentorship. We are actively working in partnership with BBBS of Miami, BBBS of Central Arizona, BBBS of New York City, BBBS of Coastal and Northern New Jersey, and others on Game Changers activations with youth and at upcoming events. Click here to listen to hear our President & CEO Artis Stevens talk more about Game Changers on the Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell radio show.

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NLC Committee Recruitment


The Organizational Excellence, Partnership Development, and Engagement & Governance committees currently have vacancies and are welcoming applications. Click below for more information about each opportunity and apply!

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Why Should BBBS Engage in Advocacy?


Advocacy plays a crucial role at Big Brothers Big Sisters, aiming to unlock children's potential and shape their futures. While creating one-to-one mentoring relationships that empower young people is at the core of our mission, we also must engage in the less visible aspects of supporting youth well-being by changing laws, regulations, and policies.  

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Cyber Security Awareness Month – Stay Safe on Social Media


Social media, like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, is integral to many lives. It's important to remember that cybercriminals can exploit your posted information for Spear Phishing attacks, using your personal details to appear genuine and trick you into clicking links or sharing more information.

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EOY Postcard & Holiday Card Assets Now Available


End-of-year postcard and holiday card assets are now available in the "2023 Print Assets" section within the Giving Season Brandfolder! Click below to explore!

Access Brandfolder

#BeBig

A Full-Circle Moment


In April, Chris and Shane from BBBS Kansas City proudly announced the Atlanta Falcons' first-round draft pick. Over the weekend, they had the chance to visit Georgia Tech and meet Bijan Robinson, the drafted player, before his pre-game warm-up on Sunday. This touching moment brought everything full circle for Chris, Shane, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.


BIG thanks to Bijan Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons, NFL's Inspire Change, BBBS of Metro Atlanta, and BBBS of Kansas City for making all of this possible!

Grants

Federal Funding Applications Due 11/1


JJ13 and MYIO6 subrecipient applications are now open. Access to each application on the Submittable platform can be found here:


OJJDP-FY23 (JJ13): Click HERE to complete the online JJ13 application.

OJJDP-FY23 (MYIO6): Click HERE to complete the online MYIO6 application. 


Helpful documents to assess your eligibility and aid you in completing your application can be found in the link below.

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National Conference

2024 BBBSA National Conference Call for Presentations is Now Open


We are excited to announce that the National Conference planning team is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2024 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference in Dallas, Texas on June 10th – 13th, 2024!


The deadline to submit a workshop proposal is Friday, January 19th, 2024.

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Bigger Together

BBBS Southwest Louisiana Launches the Big Defender Fund


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana recently initiated the Big Defender Fund, kick-started by an exceptional $1.1 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This endowment aims to secure the organization's future, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic and disruptive weather events. The fund will also support youth safety measures, enhance match quality, support parents & guardians, and introduce innovative mentoring programs for older youth and young adults.


Congratulations to BBBS Southwest Louisiana on this remarkable achievement!


If you would like to showcase the incredible work your agency is doing, feel free to email [email protected]!

Partnerships

2023 EXPRESS + BBBS "Holiday Celebration of Confidence"

 Shopping Event


Nominations are now open for the 2023 EXPRESS + BBBS "Holiday Celebration of Confidence" Shopping Event! Complete your nomination HERE.


All nominations must be submitted by November 3 at 11:59 PM EST!

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Chipotle Rounds Up for Big Futures! 


We're excited to kick off a new cause marketing partnership with Chipotle! This new effort is in-app only, as a round-up initiative for fans, followers, and customers to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Futures initiatives. There will also be micro-grant opportunities offered to agencies for Big Futures-related efforts based on fundraising success. 

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T-Mobile Project 10Million Hot Spot Training


Join BBBSA and T-Mobile on 10/26 for a training webinar to learn about the new and improved enrollment process, and how your agency can be eligible to win one of two $5,000 pass-through grants.

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Merrell x BBBS Kids Shoe Design Contest: Open Now Until 11/3!


We are looking for our next designer for a shoe collaboration with our friends at Merrell. All BBBS Littles under the age of 18 may enter. Click below for more information!

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Keep Streaming and Sharing!


In support of our campaign, singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and BBBS supporter Aloe Blacc released an original song and campaign anthem "Never Let You Down", inspired by the stories of matches across the country.


Join us in celebrating this incredible collaboration by streaming, sharing, and spreading the word about "Never Let You Down". Together, we'll make our mission resonate louder than ever before!


Click the video to watch an extra special music video featuring our Bigs and Littles, and then share this streaming link with everyone! A portion of the song proceeds go towards BBBS' mission!

VoX

An Introduction to the Volunteer Experience Initiative (VoX) Webinar


The VoX initiative is growing across the BBBS network. Please join us on October 26th at 1 PM for the first in a series of webinars where we will share the vision and goals of the VoX initiative, updates on VoX pilot projects, how your teams can access VoX training, and spotlights on affiliates that are trailblazing ways in building experience-centric agency culture. Sign up HERE.

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Program

Building Relationships Through Sports Series (Sports Buddies)


BBBSA and Search Institute have collaboratively developed "Building Relationships Through Sports," a resource series for BBBS volunteers engaged as Bigs in the Sports Buddies mentoring initiative, as well as, other sports-based mentoring experiences.

Learn More

Share Your Match Stories!

A Resilient Bond


The pandemic had a profound impact on Little Kahmoni from BBBS Puget Sound. She faced isolation, unable to see friends or family outside her home due to online schooling. Amid this challenging time, Kahmoni found solace in her Big, Dionne, who remained a constant source of support.


Their bond has always been remarkable. When Dionne battled cancer a few years ago, it was difficult for her to engage in activities with Kahmoni. Despite the absence of regular outings, their connection endured. Kahmoni's friendship became Dionne's motivation to recover. For the first time, Dionne felt truly important to someone—someone who depended on her. Throughout her recovery, Kahmoni and her mother, Manika, visited Dionne, lifting her spirits and helping her through difficult moments.


In Dionne's words, "This girl inspires me every day to live, to keep making myself better." Their enduring friendship is truly inspirational.


Email [email protected] to share how Bigs and Littles are creating lasting memories in your community!

National Job Opportunities

Join Our Team!

 

The following job opportunities are available at the National Office:




BBBSA Fellowship Program:



Network News Archive

We're Happy to Inform You that the Network News Archive is Now Accessible to You Whenever You Need It.


You'll be able to locate all of the previously shared announcements and useful information without having to dig through your inbox.

Access the Network News archive HERE!

Subscribe to Network News Here!

You can also email [email protected] if a member of your staff is still not receiving Network News, despite subscribing.

© 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

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