January is National Mentoring Month! Launched in 2002 by MENTOR and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it is a time to recognize the transformative power of mentorship and call for action to support youth in our community. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara, & the Southern Tier, we see every day how mentorship changes lives. This month, we invite you to join the movement and help us address the urgent need for mentors, or in our case “Bigs,” for the hundreds of children on our waiting list.
Mentorship: A Bridge to a Brighter Future
Did you know that 1 in 3 kids in America grows up without a positive adult mentor? Yet mentorship has been proven to empower youth to do better in school, build stronger relationships, and make better life decisions. That’s why we’re committed to closing the mentorship gap. Currently, over 120 kids are waiting for a Big across our Western New York service area, with boys of color making up the majority of those waiting.
You don’t need to be perfect to be a mentor—you just need to be present. Your time, encouragement, and support can help shape a child’s future and inspire them to achieve their dreams.
Key Dates to Remember
Throughout January, there are several opportunities to celebrate and spread the word about the importance of mentorship:
- January 7: I Am a Mentor Day – Take pride in the impact you’ve made as a mentor and share your story to inspire others to join.
- January 13-17: National Mentoring Month Alumni Week – A time to reconnect and celebrate the stories of former Bigs and Littles who have seen the lifelong value of mentorship.
- January 17: International Mentoring Day – Join a global celebration of the power of mentoring relationships. Share your experience and encourage others to get involved.
- January 20: MLK Day of Service – Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making a commitment to serve your community through mentorship.
- January 25: Thank Your Mentor Day – Take a moment to thank the mentors who have positively impacted your life and inspire others to do the same.
Share Your Story and Spread the Word
This month, we’re hoping to highlight pivotal mentorship moments between our Bigs and Littles. If you’re a current or former Big, we’d love to hear from you! Share your story by going to . Your story has the power to inspire others to step up and become volunteer mentors.
You can also support our mission by:
- Posting about National Mentoring Month on your social media using the hashtag #BeBIG and #MentoringMonth
- Encouraging friends, family, and colleagues to become a Big by going to www.bbbsenst.org/volunteer/apply/ .
- Help us continue providing mentorship opportunities to the children of this area by donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Mentorship is more than a moment—it’s a movement. This National Mentoring Month, let’s come together to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive. It takes little to be big, but the impact you’ll have is monumental. Will you join us?
