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Monthly Archives

November 2021

Nov 19
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3 Ways to Support BBBS for #GivingTuesday

By Fundraising Events

#GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It started as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Tuesday, November 30th is your chance to do good for our community. Join our mentoring movement and show your support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on #GivingTuesday!

Make a Donation

The Triad Foundation has agreed to match every individual donation received by our agency up to $50,000!

DONATE

Become a Big

Mentoring relationships protect against the harmful effects of stress and build resilience among children.

VOLUNTEER

Advocate

Use your voice and advocate for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. You will inspire others to give and create a wave of good.

– Follow us on social media & interact with our posts
– Start a Facebook fundraiser
– Post an #Unselfie video to share why supporting #BBBSTB matters to you!
– Use the Instagram donation sticker
– Share this post

Nov 18
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6 Tips to Help Stop Cyberbullying

By Resources

In recent years, bullying has expanded from occurring in-person to also taking place online. Between 2007 and 2016, the percentage of people who have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetime nearly doubled from 16% to 34%. Bullying no longer occurs primarily in school, and it is more difficult to escape online.

This video from Common Sense Media has some important tips on how we can help youth recognize cyberbullying and learn how to handle it if it happens.

We’ve also broken down some of these tips below:

  1. Ignore the bully. Do not retaliate in any way; it only adds fuel to the fire. Besides, who wants to sink to that level?
  2. Block the bully. Add phone numbers, email addresses, and social media accounts to your block list. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok all have easy ways to block and mute any user that is harassing you.
  3. Document the bully. Before blocking a bully or deleting unwanted comments and messages, be sure to print out physical copies of the harassment. (If you don’t have access to a printer, take screenshots on your phone or computer and save them in a special file.) Saving evidence is critical in case there is any need for proof in the future.
  4. Report the bully. Also before blocking the bully, be sure to report them for violating the community guidelines.
  5. Tell a trusted adult, like a parent/guardian or your Big. Bigs, be sure to connect with your Match Support Specialist if your Little reports cyberbullying (or any kind of bullying.)
  6. Another guideline to follow is to set social media profiles to private and/or friends only. This way, it’s generally easier to track and identify who is instigating the bullying. (Many bullies hide under anonymous or “puppet” accounts to avoid being identified.)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay serves children and their families through one-on-one mentoring programs in Hillsborough County and the surrounding counties, including Pinellas County, Pasco County, Alachua County, Polk County, Citrus County, Marion County, Hernando County, and Sumter County. If you’re looking for a rewarding and fun volunteer opportunity, find more information here.

 

Nov 17
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Match Story: Big Brother Andrew & Little Brother Tyler

By Match Stories

Today, we are sharing the story of Big Andrew and Little Tyler. This Match celebrated its 7th Match Anniversary in September 2021! Andrew and Tyler are a great match and have enjoyed their time together. They started in the Site Based program at Mango Elementary and decided to move to the Community Based program about four years ago. This Match has sustained a very close bond despite Big Andrew moving out of the county. The guys typically get together once a month or once every other month, and when they do, they spend the entire day together. Recently, they went to a Bucs game, a Rays game, and out to eat. Tyler has recently gotten to try Greek food and Thai food and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Tyler doesn’t always like talking on the phone, so Andrew made a point to keep Tyler engaged in text messaging. Because of this, the Match maintained their relationship throughout the pandemic when they could not meet in person. Nowadays, any time they go on an outing, it’s like no time has passed at all.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is incredibly proud of this Match and how far they have come together. Tyler was shy and lacked confidence when this Match started together. He was not interested in school and just did what he needed to do to pass. Andrew has inspired Tyler to work hard and take pride in his work. Tyler indeed looked up to Andrew and was very proud of Andrew when his Big Brother took on the challenge of starting his law practice. As Tyler has grown up, he has become more focused, determined, and confident.

When the Match Support Specialist speaks with Andrew, they can hear the smile come through the phone! Andrew is proud of how far Tyler has arrived and is happy to know that Tyler is taking his future seriously now and working hard to plan. Andrew recently shared, “I feel like I am the Little Brother now!”

Tyler used only to give short replies to his Match Support Specialist. Now, he shares his life and Match updates for 30-45 minutes! Tyler is currently a junior in high school and has continuously set and tracked his plans and goals for the future. Tyler is highly interested in video game design and hopes to pursue that after he graduates high school. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him!

Nov 05
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Lummi Nation law enforcement officers

Honoring Native American Heritage Month

By In The News

November is National Native American Heritage Month. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is proud to honor this month and share knowledge with you and your Little about indigenous cultures to better understand the unique history and challenges the group faces today.

WHEN WAS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH ESTABLISHED?

One of the first known proponents of establishing an American Indian Day or First Americans Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He approached the Boy Scouts of America in 1915 and for three years the day was honored. Various iterations of the month have come about from the recommendations of citizens such as “National American Indian Heritage Month”, “Native American Heritage Month”, and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”. Learn more about how the month was established here.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are more than 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (referred to as tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and Native villages) in the US. There are also there are state-recognized tribes recognized by their respective state governments. Learn more about contemporary tribal governments here.

Have you heard about the Code Talkers? The Code Talkers from World War I and World War II were hundreds of Native American servicemen from over 20 tribes that used Indigenous languages to send secret messages that our enemies were never able to break. These Native Americans helped lead U.S. forces to military victory in some of the largest battles of the twentieth century. Learn more about the Code Talkers here.

EVENTS

Tampa Bay History Center: Native American Exhibits Virtual Tour | Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m.

Join the Hillsborough County Library online as we get a glimpse at some of the history center’s special spaces including Florida’s First People, The Seminole and Miccosukee Story, and Coacoochee’s Story Theater. The video tour and brief presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with an official Tampa Bay History Center representative.

National Endowment of the Arts featuring the 2021 U.S. Poet Laureate | Friday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Join the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) as they feature this year’s Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo. Harjo eloquently discusses both her personal experiences and the collective Muscogee (Creek) Nation history. Register now to join next month’s live event.

 

Nov 02
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November Conversation Starters & Activities

By Resources

Need ideas for some things to talk to your Little about? Looking for low-cost or no-cost community events and activities? Check out our Conversation Starters & Activities to help you and your Little learn about new topics and discover new hobbies and interests.

Do you want to learn what it takes to become a mentor and be a consistent friend for a kid in our community? Learn more at our Big Orientation & Training info session. View the schedule.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Check in with your Little to see how they feel school is going. Do they need to catch up on anything over the winter break? Are you (or your Little) traveling for the holidays?

-November is National Aviation Month: Research about the history of Aviation and make some paper airplanes together.

-November 2nd is “Look for Circles Day”. Yes, there is such a day. How many circles can you find around you in 30 seconds?

-November 3rd is Sandwich Day. What kind of sandwiches are your favorite? What is the definition of a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? How about a burrito? What do you like to eat with your sandwiches?

-November 4th is King Tut Day. Who was King Tut? Research King Tut and come up with 5 facts about him.

-November 9th is Young Readers Day. What does your Little like to read? What did you read when you were young? If your Little was an Author, what would they write about?

-November 11th is Veterans Day. Do you or your Little know any Veterans? Research what Veterans Day is. Does your Little ever consider joining the military?

-November 15th is America Recycles Day.  Why is it important to recycle? Learn about the process of recycling.

-November 16th is Fast Food Day. What are some of your favorite spots to grab a quick bite? If you made your own Fast Food restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? Is there a way to make fast food healthier?

-November 20th is Beautiful Day.  Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on the negative. Let’s think about some things that we find really beautiful. Think about beautiful scenery, sounds, smells, etc. Look up some beautiful pictures and take some time to admire them.

-November 25th is Thanksgiving Day. What are some things that you are thankful for?  How do you show people that you are Thankful for them? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

-November 28th is Red Planet Day. Research the red planet, Mars. Come up with 5 facts about the planet together.

ACTIVITIES

  • Help your Little make holiday gifts to give to their parent(s) and/or teacher(s).
  • Collect non-perishable food items and taken them to a local food pantry. Discuss the idea of paying it forward with your Little.
  • Have you ever wondered why leaves change colors? Try out this leaf chromatography STEM activity with your Little to find out!
  • Make a homemade apple pie in a can with your Little! Make some and give them to family and friends as gifts! Click here to view the recipe.
  • Visit a local corn maze: Sweetfields Farm 17250 Benes Roush Rd. Masaryktown, FL 34604 (352) 279-0977

FREE & LOW-COST COMMUNITY EVENTS

48th Annual Temple Terrace Arts & Crafts Festival — Nov. 14th | Woodmont Park 407 Woodmont Ave, Temple Terrace, FL 33617

You are invited to join us at our biggest outdoor event which is also the longest-running outdoor event in NE Hillsborough County—this marks our 48th year! 100+ award-winning artists and crafters share their valuable treasures with you just in time for holiday and home gift shopping. Or shop for yourself because you love beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted art, clothing, jewelry, photography, pottery, oh my! Free admission, free parking, free live entertainment, food trucks, free public art, and over 300 pieces of K-12 student art and photography on exhibit. Click here for more details.

 

33rd Annual Sponge Docks Seafood Festival— Nov. 12th-14th | 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N. Tampa, FL 33610

Over one hundred artists and crafters! Thousands of people! Tasty food! Free parking! And great free entertainment! This November at historic Woodmont Park. Click here for more details.

 

Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot— Nov. 25th | 540 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33764

This is the largest running event in the Tampa Bay area with more than 17,000 runners participating annually! There’s a race for every skill level, including one for competitive runners, one for recreational runners, and one for walkers. The top finisher for the competitive races will receive a trophy. Proceeds benefit local charities and canned goods and non-perishable food will be collected in the stadium on race day to be donated. Registration includes an event t-shirt; the races start at 7 a.m.

Click here for more details.

 

Holiday Lights In The Gardens — Nov. 26 |  12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774

Each year this amazing light display is visited by over 100,000 guests from near and far. The Gardens will sparkle with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in a multitude of colors. Vibrant laser lights and lighted figures round out our display to wow guests of all ages. New this year will be our Children’s Candy Cane Area with family-focused fun and activities. Please consider joining us as a sponsor and help us spread lots of holiday cheer!

Click here for more details.

 

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