Serving as a mentor is not as daunting as it might seem.
Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters will kick off a campaign next week to recruit 60 new mentors in 60 days.
This is an ambitious campaign and, sometimes, the greatest obstacle among prospective mentors is the feeling they are not qualified.
"What we are looking for in a mentor is someone who will be a consistent friend," said Lee Knernschield, executive director of the organization.
The basic attributes of a mentor are responsibility and the ability to listen and, when appropriate, share their experience and advice.
The campaign - 60 Bigs in 60 Days - will kick off with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m., Aug. 22, at the Hawthorn Bank Community Room, 3600 Amazonas. The event is free, open to the public and lunch will be provided. An RSVP is encouraged, but not required, by calling 573-634-3290. Additional information is available at www.mvbbs.org.
Why commit to becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Because serving as a positive influence in someone else's life is perhaps the most valuable contribution you can make.
And a study by Public Private Ventures indicates that mentors do make a difference. The study found children who have a mentor are:
• 46 percent less likely to start using drugs.
• 27 percent less likely to consume alcohol.
• 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school.
• 30 percent less likely to engage in violent behavior.
The positive impact has a reflective quality, enhancing the self-worth of the recipient, but also the mentor.
In addition, past experiences demonstrate that mentor relationships forged through the program often become life-long friendships.
Missouri Valley Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 250 children a year and has over 120 active matches, but there are close to 60 kids still waiting for a mentor.
And you just might be that person.