What does civic engagement mean? Lessons from young Canadians
This week 100 young people, aged 14-24, from across Canada descended on Parliament Hill to job shadow Members of Parliament, learn the inner workings of government, and engage in our democratic process. Research shows us that youth who have had Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors become more civically engaged adults; they are 50% more likely [...] Read moreHealthy Relationships Build Healthy Minds
Every mentor hopes to inspire someone to achieve more, but it is difficult for a young person to dream when they are struggling with mental health issues. It is our responsibility as adults, guardians, and/or youth-serving professionals, to understand and appreciate the context in which youth live every day. For far too many young people […]
Read moreCreating Safe, Inclusive Spaces for Canadian Youth
In the chaotic world in which we live, it is not facetious to ask what about the children? How are they navigating the line between free speech and hate speech? How are they dealing with what they see on the news and in social media? Some Canadian children are lucky enough to have a network [...] Read moreMentoring is ALIVE in this country!
Mentoring professionals from across Canada just spent an incredible three days learning and discussing and working hard with colleagues to help chart the course for mentoring in Canada. Equipped with the latest research demonstrating the impact of healthy, two-way relationships – of mentoring! – on a child’s developing brain, the impetus to act has never been […]
Read moreHappy Pride!
Happy Pride! Let’s all celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and two-spirit (LGBTQ+) communities in Canada and around the world. LGBTQ+ communities are represented and welcomed across Big Brothers Big Sisters in Canada in our staff, mentors, mentees, board and community members. I also acknowledge that things have not always been this way. Change can be […]
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