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Jan 01

Be a Role Model this National Mentoring Month

By In The News

Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month? National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors and how each of us can work together to ensure positive outcomes for our young people, such as educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships.

To celebrate the importance of mentoring this January, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is highlighting our Big & Little matches to show how being a friend and role model to a child can transform their life. With more than 900 youth across our nine counties waiting to be matched with a Big, our need for positive adults to step up and volunteer is greater than ever before. BBBS Tampa Bay asks people in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Maron, and Alachua counties to defend the potential of our youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships and consider being a consistent and trusted friend to a kid.

Here’s how you can get involved this National Mentoring Month:

  • Get out there and make a difference by becoming a volunteer mentor. The first step is to attend a Virtual Big Orientation & Training to learn more about our programs and how you can become a volunteer. View the full schedule of Big Orientation & Trainings here.
  • Follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and use our social media toolkit to spread the word about our need for mentors!
  • Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to tag a friend who would be a great Big using the hashtag #BBBSMentoringMonth and tell them to visit bbbstampabay.org/be-a-big to learn more.
Dec 16

3 Ways To Give After #GivingTuesday

By Fundraising Events, In The News

You can support our one-to-one mentoring programs while shopping for Christmas and holiday gifts this year. We are proud to continue our partnerships with Nordstrom Rack & AmazonSmile, and excited to announce a new partnership with eSmart recycling. Here are three ways you can give back to your community and donate to a local charity.

Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack will donate 70% of their funds earned until December 31 to the BBBS agency in that store’s zip code. As a new option this year, online customers will also have the option to make a donation on the website. (Does not apply to mobile app purchases. Please use your web browser [Google Chrome or other] to make your purchases or head to your local Nordstrom Rack.)

AmazonSmile

Simply shop at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile on in the Amazon Shopping app to give back on (most) of your everyday purchases. Choose Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay as your charity of choice and a portion from each purchase made is donated to us. When you shop at smile.amazon.com we receive 0.5% of eligible purchases at no extra cost to you! You can also browse our Amazon Charity Wishlist to donate an item and have it delivered directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay via Amazon.

eSmart Recycling

Planning on replacing your laptop, television, or iPad this holiday shopping season? Don’t toss your old tech — donate it to eSmart Recycling and help our organization keep kids connected with their mentors. When you contact them to schedule a pickup, be sure to mention it is on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. As one of our newest partners, eSmart Recycling has already donated 15 laptops to our mobile computer lab. Now, our Littles will be able to chat with their Bigs during lunch hours while at school.

Thank you in advance for believing in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay this holiday season and throughout the year. It truly takes a village to make impactful and lasting changes in our communities.

Dec 13

December Match of the Month

By Match Stories

Meet one of our newest matches, Big Sister Nora and Little Sister Tiffany. They are now Matched thanks to our new School-to-Work partnership with the Pinellas County Government.

You’re probably wondering why Tiffany is holding a pair of bundled-up eggs in this photo. As part of a school assignment, Tiffany had to care for her “twins” and take them everywhere, including to work at the courthouse. However, Nora is actually a twin in real life. We think these “twins” ended up being paired together rather serendipitously!

Thank you to Nora and all of our new Bigs at the offices of the Clerk of the Circuit & Comptroller and the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is honored to launch this School-to-Work program in Clearwater with the hopes of setting up mentoring relationships across the county of Pinellas and beyond.

Do you want to provide support, share power, and expand possibilities for a child in your community? Does your employer offer paid volunteer time? Find out how to state your case to become a mentor, or Big, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay? Attend a Virtual Big Orientation & Training session to get started. 

Dec 03

December Conversation Starters

By Resources

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay has provided a variety of free to low-cost activities for the holidays that you and your Little to enjoy. Read more:

December 7th is Write a Letter Day: Who might be someone that would love to get a letter from you? A relative, teacher, Santa??

December 10th is Nobel Prize Day: Research what the Nobel Prize is and some previous winners. How did those winners change history?

December 16th is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day: What are your favorite chocolate-covered foods? Can you think of anything wacky to cover chocolate in that you haven’t tried?

December 25th is Christmas Day: Share your Christmas traditions. If you don’t celebrate Christmas, do you celebrate another holiday this time of year?

December 28th is National Playing Card Day: What card games do you know? What card games can you teach your Big/Little?

December 31st is New Years’ Eve: Talk about your New Years’ Eve traditions and how you ring in the New Year. Research different calendar systems used around the globe.

 

Free activities and things to do. 

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center: The Manatee Viewing Center’s mission is to educate the public about the Florida manatee and its habitat. The center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary. During the center’s open season, Nov. 1 through April 15, displays, interactive exhibits and more teach visitors of all ages about the life cycle of the manatee and the challenges they face. FREE Admission. 6990 Dickman Rd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572

St. Petersburg Holiday of the Arts—Dec. 11-12th: This art festival transforms Williams Park into an outdoor gallery of original and handmade art created by extraordinary artists in painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, photography, digital art, mixed-media, metalwork, woodworking, and more. FREE Admission. 350 2nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL. Click here for more details.

The North Pole Experience, Saturday, December 11: Times are available from 8:30am -3:00pm. Estimated event time is 1 hour. Santa will be there on his sleigh and each child 11 years old or younger will receive a gift. Everyone can participate in the amazing Christmas fun of traveling through the North Pole!  This is a walk-through event this year with stations to stop at. Seating will be available throughout the experience. Strollers and wheelchairs are more than welcome. There is a limited number of ticket reservations.  Everyone attending must reserve a free ticket (This includes all adults).  When you register you will receive in your email a ticket for each attendee.  YOU MUST BRING THE TICKET with you on the day of the event. Kirk Church, 2686 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, FL. Click here for more details.

Jingle Bell Bazaar at Ybor 2021— Dec. 12th: The Largest Annual Holiday Festival in Ybor City is Back! Come enjoy a day of live music, shopping, food trucks, and pics with Santa Claus. 1800 E.8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. Click here for more details.

Christmas is Near— Dec. 23rd: For 9 years Christmas Is Near has been the Premier Christmas Event for the whole family. FREE Admission. 303 Lemon St, Plant City, FL 33563

5-7:15 pm: Kid/Youth Zones and Photo Opportunities
5-7:30 pm: Pre-Show on the Main Stage with Kenzie Wheeler and Rekindled Bluegrass
7:30 pm: Christmas Concert and Candlelight Service

Click here for more details.

 

Low-cost arts and crafts activities. 

-Make Holiday Cards: Get some art & craft supplies and make homemade holiday cards with your Little to give to family members, teachers, and friends.

-Decorate a Christmas Tree: Invite your Little to accompany you and pick out a tree. Decorate it together and talk about holiday traditions carried down from your families.

-Create a Gingerbread House: Pick up a gingerbread house kit so that you and your Little can build and decorate it together!

 

Dec 01

International Human Rights Month

By Resources, Uncategorized

In addition to many holidays, the month of December is also a time to observe Universal Human Rights Month. This month is a reminder that the United Nations General Assembly codified the basic human rights of every person. It is also a time to reflect upon the rights that we do have and what these freedoms mean to us. Eleanor Roosevelt, former First Lady of America, was an influential figure involved in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  She asks, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”

Here are some excellent book recommendations that you and your Little can read together to learn more about the importance of Human Rights.

  • We Are All Born Free by the Amnesty International
  • I Have the Right to Be a Child by Alain Serres
  • A Life Like Mine by DK

This is also a great opportunity to give back to your community through volunteering for a local nonprofit! Below are some organizations that are always accepting volunteers of all ages:

The Declaration of Human Rights was created to be a ‘common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations’. This document has been translated into over 500 languages and is the most downloaded document in the world. While many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the many December holidays we celebrate, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on our rights and think of how we can make a more equitable world for everyone.

Nov 19

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

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

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
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

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.

 

Stay Informed

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