Posts - Page 5 of 42 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

October 3, 2023 – According to Fast Company, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America advocated for the importance of mentorship and community bonds through partnerships with the NFL and CNBC; Code for America unlocked $30 billion in benefits to ensure access to basic rights such as food and healthcare; and Prosperity Now is breaking down economic systems that continue to harm communities of color.

While nonprofits face a plethora of challenges in accomplishing their missions, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America was chosen as one of three organizations model that our role in effecting change is not just achievable but crucial.

To learn even more about what Fast Company has to say about us, please visit https://www.fastcompany.com.

#Awards

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America unites alumni, supporters, celebrities and partners nationwide to close the mentorship gap; Singer Songwriter Aloe Blacc releases campaign anthem “Never Let You Down”

TAMPA, FL, September 14, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, has launched a bold new brand campaign “It Takes Little to Be Big,” to challenge the myths and shift perceptions of mentoring and why now, more than ever, mentorship is critical to the success of kids today.

Today, one in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives and over 30,000 kids are on BBBS’ wait list for a mentor. The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen due to perceived barriers of the time and expertise needed to become a mentor. Understanding the critical need, BBBSA is set to engage and galvanize one million volunteers (“Bigs”), alumni, supporters, influencers and strategic partners to highlight the mentorship moments that inspire potential and bridge the gap between people and possibility.

Developed in partnership with Dentsu Creative, and renown director and photographer, Joshua Kissi, a new PSA, advertising, and digital content were created and feature real Bigs and Littles from the Los Angeles area. The campaign—running on TV, OLV, social and digital channels— brings authenticity to the forefront with BBBS matches and puts a spotlight on redefining the little moments of mentorship that can make a big impact on the lives of young people. Leveraging media, partners, and prominent voices, BBBSA will embed its mission and call for support into prominent pop culture events, experiences and across social media, music, sports, entertainment, and fashion platforms.

“BBBSA came to us with a very clear goal of attracting one million Bigs, alumni and supporters. There are any number of hurdles we need to overcome to convince potential Bigs and supporters to join the mission, but the number one barrier was time,” said Kurt Fries, EVP, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Creative. “That’s where we decided to focus. By simply contextualizing how little time it takes– time we are already spending going to a movie, grabbing a cup of coffee or a slice– to make a big impact not only on the lives of these kids but on the lives of the Bigs, too.”

In addition to the campaign PSA and creative, singer, songwriter, philanthropist and BBBS supporter Aloe Blacc released an original song and campaign anthem “Never Let You Down,” inspired by the stories of matches across the country. The song is available for download on all streaming platforms, with a portion of proceeds supporting BBBSA.

“At its core, mentorship is about human connection, made up of formative moments that inspire curiosity, aspiration, and unlock potential in the next generation,” said Blacc. “I’ve experienced the power of mentorship firsthand and it has shaped who I am. Every small act of encouragement, hope, and support has the potential to change lives, like it has changed mine. Through this campaign and ‘Never Let You Down’, we are demonstrating how mentorship is an essential part of life and how simple yet profound it can be.”

A cornerstone of the campaign is “A Million Little Moments”, a digital storytelling initiative on BeBigNow.org and BBBSA’s social media platforms, that invites the nation to share their pivotal mentorship moments and experiences, no matter how small, using the campaign hashtag #BeBIG for each story. This tapestry of stories will serve as a testament to the significant impact and universality of mentorship moments.

“We believe in the power of mentorship—we’ve seen its lifelong impact for the millions of kids we’ve served, and on the lives of Bigs who serve as mentors,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters is transforming what mentorship looks like in our country and calling on people in communities everywhere to join us in this movement and be part of something big. Through this campaign, our partners, alumni, and supporters will create access and opportunity for more kids through mentorship as we strive to close the mentorship gap and create lasting impact in countless lives.”

BBBSA has also partnered with industry leaders to amplify the campaign and encourage the support of volunteers as well as donors. Clear Channel Outdoor has launched a series of “It Takes Little to Be Big” billboards in key U.S. markets including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York City. To extend the reach of the campaign across additional media channels, iHeartMedia, Comcast NBCUniversal, TikTok, Bounce/Scripps Network, Mediavine, and Fandom have provided pro bono support to further PSA and campaign content distribution. In addition, thanks to strong partnerships with Macy’s, Express, and Merrell, the campaign will be amplified through their owned properties and partnership activations.

For more information, visit BeBigNow.org.

#Big News

TAMPA, FL – July 17, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announces the appointment of Alison Avera as its Chief Agency Growth Officer. In this role, Avera will spearhead the creation and implementation of comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies to support BBBSA’s network of 230 agencies nationwide.

Avera’s appointment comes as a testament to her commitment to fostering growth and development in young individuals within the nonprofit sector. Previously, as the Director of Adult Development for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, she excelled in recruiting and serving a significant number of adult volunteers and girl members. Avera’s career began with Teach for America, where she spearheaded transformative changes in under-resourced public schools by designing and implementing hands-on, project-based learning experiences for middle and high school students. Her work with both the Girl Scouts and Teach for America showcases her dedication to empowering youth and providing them with valuable opportunities for personal growth.

Avera also brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the education sector. Notably, as the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Teach Plus and Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Whole-Child Education (originally called Turnaround for Children), she has consistently driven change in education policy and practice. Her leadership has empowered teachers, addressed equity issues, and significantly improved student success. Avera played a pivotal role in the NYC Department of Education, serving as Chief of Staff, where she led special projects for the Chancellor and Chief Schools Officer as part of New York City’s transformative Children First reforms.

“I am delighted to welcome Alison to the Big Brothers Big Sisters family as Chief Agency Growth Officer,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Alison has proven her ability to foster growth and development in youth programming throughout her diverse background in the non-profit and education sectors. She brings a proven track record of operationalizing youth-based planning strategies with a deep passion for empowering young people that will benefit our BBBS agencies nationwide.”

As Chief Agency Growth Officer, Avera will lead key priorities within the organization’s strategic plan, focused on reimagining growth and enhancing efficiency across all agencies and implementing innovative solutions to maximize our impact. Leveraging her strategic mindset and operational expertise, she will also be responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies that align with our commitment to supporting our agencies, including bolstering the volunteer experience to address the demand of youth waitlists in the near term.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to join the talented BBBSA team, and I am excited to collaborate with agency leaders across the country in this important work,” said Avera.

Avera holds an MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. She will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.bbbs.org.

#Big News

Honorees Recognized at 2023 Bigger Together Celebration in Anaheim, California

TAMPA, Fla., June 30, 2023 — Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the Bigs and Littles of the Year at the 2023 Bigger Together celebration, part of the organization’s four-day national conference in Anaheim. Two volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and two youth (“Littles”) were selected to represent the over 400,000 Bigs, Littles, and families participating annually.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the transformative connections and personal growth we witness between our Bigs and Littles as they build life-long relationships. We are thrilled to honor Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos, and Angela and Jenna as our Bigs and Littles of the Year,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBSA. “These matches exemplify the profound impact of mentorship and connection, illustrating the extraordinary bonds formed daily through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America celebrates two incredible matches each year, nominated by their local agencies, to serve as the national representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters. These matches demonstrate the influence that a mentoring relationship has on empowering Littles to pursue their goals in a ‘big’ way while creating a long-lasting impact on both the young person and the Big.

Big Jose Carlos and Little Juan Carlos, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
“His family makes me feel welcome. They have taken me on their family vacations. I even went to my Big Brother’s wedding. I see my Big Brother as family.”

Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos first matched in May 2014. Sharing similarly challenging upbringings, their relatability of lived experiences fostered a genuine understanding and natural bond, which still holds strong after ten years.

Throughout Jose Carlos and Juan Carlos’s tenure as a match, the two have supported each other and grown exponentially. From teaching Juan Carlos how to drive, to giving much-needed time and attention, and modeling the importance of education, Jose Carlos has been instrumental in Juan Carlos’s growth – all while pursuing his own collegiate education and working two jobs.

Juan Carlos witnessed how bright his future could be with Jose Carlos as his role model – with Jose Carlos’s positive example setting, emotional support, and advice, Juan Carlos is now a first-generation high school graduate. To Littles entering the mentorship program, Juan Carlos says: “I would say that the program has changed my life for the better. I would recommend the program to any kid that is in need. I would also say to be yourself with your Big. Don’t try to be someone you are not. You and your Big will get closer if you be yourself.”

Big Angela and Little Jenna, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana
“Angi is always going to be one of my closest friends. She’s always going to be there for me.”

When Jenna and Angi were matched in 2015, Jenna was struggling with low self-esteem, difficulties in school, and turbulent family trauma. Despite the challenges Jenna faced, Angi loved her from the moment they met, and made it her mission to support Jenna in reaching her fullest potential.

The pair regularly visited bookstores to pick out books to read together and after just a few months, Jenna’s reading comprehension and vocabulary improved significantly. Jenna and Angi are continuing this academic momentum by researching college programs and creating a plan of action for the future. Angi also makes an effort to model self-confidence and inner beauty for Jenna, regularly planning photo shoots and fashion shows to show that every person, any size, is beautiful.

Jenna is thankful for her thriving relationship with Angi, and credits Angi with her transformation into a more confident individual who embraces her uniqueness. To those considering joining the program, Jenna says: “If I could say anything to other kids who might want to be part of BBBS, I would tell them to go for it! To Bigs, I would say, just talk to your Little!”

#Big News

Since launching the partnership in 2021, Express has raised over $1.6 Million to help fuel the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Big Futures Program, building career pathways to economic empowerment for young people across the nation.

TAMPA, FL – February 7, 2023 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization, is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with the Express Dream Big Project. The extension of this partnership will allow the Big Futures program to expand its impact on young people through mentorship to reach over 5,000 communities in all 50 states.

Since 2021, Express has raised over $1.6 million to support the Big Futures Program by encouraging customers to donate with their purchase in-store or online, driving crowdfunding efforts at Express.com/DreamBigProject, and through corporate donations. The funds raised will impact over 25,000 youth (“Littles”) across 125+ local BBBSA agencies.

In addition to fundraising efforts, Express also introduced a Dream Big, Dress Accordingly styling series with TV personality and style mentor Tan France last September. This series, which will continue into 2023, documents BBBS Littles’ experiences with Tan as they prepare for life after high school and college with special styling and mentorship moments that highlight the brand’s purpose of creating confidence and inspiring self-expression. Express also gifted more than 600 gift cards to BBBSA youth and invited them to shop for special outfitting needs.

“Through our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, we have had unique and powerful opportunities to fulfill our brand purpose to create confidence and inspire self-expression by helping people find their style,” said Sara Tervo, Express’ Chief Marketing Officer. “With the support of our customers and associates, we surpassed our fundraising goal and are proud to extend our relationship into 2023 and help the incredible Big Futures program achieve national scale.”

“Mentorship is not just about providing support in the present, it’s about investing in the future and empowering young people to realize their full potential,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO, BBBSA. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Express into 2023 and reach more young people with life-changing mentorship opportunities as they navigate their futures after high school.”

The partnership also supported the Big Futures program through a variety of awareness and youth engagement initiatives including:

Cheslie Kryst Fellowship: A paid scholarship program to provide a college-aged youth within the Big Brothers Big Sisters network the opportunity to develop leadership skills.
The Graduation Gift Card Initiative: Gifted 57 BBBSA youth each a $500 shopping experience to help them dress with confidence for their high school graduation moments through a Big-nominated application process.
Career Education Sessions: Hosted BBBSA Littles for in-person and virtual career education sessions curated and led by Express Marketing, Design, Real Estate & Store Construction, and Store Associates to help BBBSA youth take the first steps in their career journeys and understand roles in the retail and fashion industry.
The Dreamathon: A live social media event held on Giving Tuesday hosted by Tan France to drive donations and awareness in support of the Big Futures program.

For more information about Express and The Dream Big Project, please visit www.express.com/DreamBigProject. Join the conversation on social by tagging @express and @bbbsamerica.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

About Express, Inc.

Grounded in versatility and powered by a styling community, Express is a modern, multichannel apparel and accessories brand whose purpose is to Create Confidence & Inspire Self-Expression. Launched in 1980 with the idea that style, quality and value should all be found in one place, Express has been a part of some of the most important and culture-defining fashion trends. The Express Edit design philosophy ensures that the brand is always ‘of the now’ so people can get dressed for every day and any occasion knowing that Express can help them look the way they want to look and feel the way they want to feel.

The Company operates over 550 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app. Express, Inc. is comprised of the brands Express and UpWest, and is traded on the NYSE under the symbol EXPR. For more information, please visit www.express.com.

CONTACTS:

BBBSA Communications

Dvon Williams –communications@bbbsa.org

EXPRESS

Amanda Monteleone – amonteleone@express.com

#Big News

The inaugural fundraising and awareness campaign of the new multi-year partnership connects the power of mentorship to more youth across the nation

TAMPA, FL – January 10, 2023– In celebration of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation’s preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization, is thrilled to announce fundraising results from Macy’s holiday campaign. Under its social purpose platform Mission Every One, committed to creating brighter futures with bold representation for all, Macy’s customers raised $4.8 million to help fuel life-changing mentoring experiences. The campaign marked the launch of a multi-year partnership between BBBSA and Macy’s.

Throughout the months of November and December 2022, Macy’s customers donated online at macys.com and by rounding up in-store purchases. The funds raised will expand the reach of BBBSA’s mentoring model, connecting more young people with the transformative mentors and mentorship experiences they need to reach their full potential. Fundraising efforts engaged all 230+ Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, reaching 5,000 communities in all 50 states.

Last year, Macy’s, Inc. introduced its social purpose platform – a purpose-driven strategy called Mission Every One – developed to build on the company’s heritage of corporate citizenship and to achieve positive societal change. Mission Every One aims to create a brighter future with bold representation for all. Through this work, the company will strengthen communities by empowering the curiosity and confidence of young people on their journey to become the leaders of tomorrow. By 2025, Macy’s, Inc. will give more than $125 million to nonprofit organizations whose work is aligned with Mission Every One.

“Through Mission Every One, Macy’s is committed to creating a brighter future for all, and to breaking down barriers to equity and representation barriers. Our new holiday fundraising and awareness campaign with BBBSA, along with their mission to empower young people through mentorship, has resonated so profoundly with our customers and colleagues,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work. “We are eager to see the fruits of this holiday season’s campaign in action, and for this relationship to grow, continuing to inspire our communities.”

“Together with Macy’s, we have raised critical funds and awareness for the important mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of young people,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “We look forward to continuing this partnership in 2023 and beyond, creating further opportunities for youth, mentors, families and their communities across the country to experience the impact of mentorship.”

In addition to the round up and giving campaign, to raise funds for BBBSA, Macy’s also launched a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® metaverse and NFT project experience, inviting the web3 community to make a difference in the lives of others. The initiative saw NFT collectors minting virtual gallery passes to receive an OnCyber NFT gallery space. Fans who minted the virtual gallery pass helped raise funds for BBBSA with 100 percent of the $50 purchase price benefitting the organization.

Macy’s also raised awareness for BBBSA’s mission through a series of customer, colleague and community engagement initiatives during the holiday season:

Macy’s Best Mentor, a nationwide BBBSA agency and Macy’s colleague-engagement program collected and highlighted stories of workplace mentorship, including peer-to-peer guidance or reverse mentorship. The program recognized inspiring colleagues and volunteers for their positive impact in the workplace.
Macy’s x BBBSA Coffee Talk randomly matched participating Macy’s colleagues and Big Brothers Big Sisters mentees (“Littles”) for impactful micro-mentorship moments, which provided opportunities for one-on-one conversations around career readiness, as well as personal and professional growth.
Select Macy’s stores hosted customized holiday events for Big Brothers Big Sisters Littles and volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) in their communities, including tree lightings, shopping and holiday breakfast events, where participants were presented with holiday gifts.

For more information about Macy’s Mission Every One, please visit macys.com/purpose. Join the conversation on social by tagging @macys and @bbbsamerica.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers and communities.

CONTACTS:    

BBBSA Communications

Dvon Williams

communications@bbbsa.org

Macy’s External Communications

Christine Nealon / Ryan Gannon

communications@macys.com

Annual award presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof

Prize recruiting volunteers through January 31, 2023

TAMPA, FL (November 28, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States, for the second year in a row has been selected as an honoree of the 2022 Holiday Impact Prize, presented by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, and supported by Focusing Philanthropy. Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected as one of two volunteer organizations highlighted for people looking to make a difference in communities across the country.

Big Brothers Big Sisters depends on volunteers to empower a young person’s potential, and volunteers signing up to become a mentor through the 2022 Holiday Impact Prize will bolster the organization’s mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of young people.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is honored to be a recipient of the Holiday Impact Prize for the second year in a row. This recognition highlights the importance of mentorship, one of the most powerful gifts you can provide to a young person,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters not only empowers a young person to reach their full potential – it is a life-changing experience for our mentors as well, many of whom say they get as much out of the experience as they put in.”

Since 2009, Kristof has written an annual “holiday gift guide” column to highlight little-known organizations working to make the world a better place. He began writing the gift guide to bridge a philanthropic gap: readers who wanted to help but didn’t know how, and heroic individuals and organizations who desperately needed resources but were off donors’ radar.

“One-on-one mentorship is a game changer for both mentors and mentees. When you volunteer, you are investing in a young person’s future, and you may also find new purpose and joy in your own life. Amid everything keeping us apart, I am inspired this holiday season to be highlighting the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters to build connections and opportunity,” said Nicholas Kristof, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times columnist.

The Holiday Impact Prize and Kristof’s column featuring the prize’s honorees has helped raise the profiles of organizations that work on the very issues he covers in his journalism—health, education, climate, human rights, and women’s rights, both domestically and abroad. Since 2019, the Holiday Impact Prize and the special edition C-19 Impact Initiative have together raised over $27 million and recruited over 3,000 volunteers for the featured organizations.

Focusing Philanthropy—a 501(c)3 nonprofit that finds and funds high-impact, scalable programs here and around the world—is providing the platform for this initiative by processing readers’ contributions, monitoring and reporting on results, and replenishing credit card transaction costs of donations made on KristofImpact.org so that 100 cents on the dollar will support the winning organizations.

More information about Nicholas Kristof’s Holiday Impact Prize and Focusing Philanthropy can be found at KristofImpact.org.

TAMPA, FL (November 18, 2022) – The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has awarded Big Brothers Big Sisters of America two grants totaling $13.5 million to continue the national nonprofit’s evidence-based one-to-one mentoring program.

The first grant is the Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative; the second is the OJJDP Mentoring for Youth Affected by Opioids and Other Substance Misuse initiative. The investment in these two critical programs will mean that youth (called “Littles”) in communities across the country will be matched with caring adult mentors (called “Bigs”), by more than 90 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country.

When comparing Big Brothers Big Sisters Risk and Protective Inventory (RPI) data to national data, parents who have children enrolled in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program report that 24% have one or more family members who has a problem with alcoholism or drug use, compared to 10% of children nationally. Funding is especially critical today, as mentoring is needed now more than ever with youth facing challenges stemming from the pandemic.

“We hear from parents and caregivers daily about how our mentoring program has been key to their young person reaching their full potential, yet 16 million youth in America are growing up without a positive, sustained mentor,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “The increased support from OJJDP will give Big Brothers Big Sisters the opportunity to bring the power of mentorship to more communities across the country.”

The social impact collaboration will work to empower young people across the nation through mentorship

This holiday season, Macy’s customers can join the effort via an eight week online

charitable giving campaign on macys.com and in-store round-up

NEW YORK, NY – October 31, 2022 – Through its game changing social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s has committed to creating brighter futures through bold representation for all. In support of youth empowerment, a guiding principle of this mission, Macy’s will launch a multi-year partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) to serve young people through the power of mentorship, creating a path for future success and impact that lasts a lifetime. This holiday season, Macy’s customers will have the opportunity to help fuel these life-changing mentoring experiences by donating online at macys.com, or rounding up purchases in-store (up to $.99) from Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 24.

“Mission Every One helps Macy’s direct our social impact work to the causes and communities that help shape a brighter future for all, but most importantly for young people,” said Bobby Amirshahi, senior vice president of Macy’s, Inc. Corporate Communications and head of Macy’s community and social impact work. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America leads the largest youth mentoring network in the nation, with a mission that aligns with our goals to break down barriers to equity and representation and empower young people. Together we will help inspire a new generation to achieve their dreams and realize their full potential.”

As the nation’s largest youth mentoring organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s proven model empowers young people on a path for their future with a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime. Leveraging the expertise of professionally supported mentoring experiences BBBSA’s adult volunteers (“Bigs”) inspire young people (“Littles”) to achieve post-secondary success, strengthen mental well-being, and foster an inclusive environment for all.

“Our entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network is proud to partner and fuel the work of our shared missions to create social change through collective impact – breaking down barriers for young people and empowering them on a path to a brighter future,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “Through the power of our partnership with Macy’s and its Mission Every One platform, youth, mentors and families across the country will experience the positive impact of mentorship.”

Funds raised through Macy’s partnership will support the innovation of BBBSA’s mentoring model, to help reach and connect more young people with mentors and meaningful mentoring experiences.

The vast networks of both Macy’s and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America will partner to provide meaningful, mentoring experiences between adult volunteers and children, ages 5 through young adulthood in communities across the country.

In addition to funding, Macy’s will drive awareness of BBBSA’s mission through customer, colleague and community engagement during the height of the holiday season annually, retail’s highest profile time of year.

Littles and Bigs will be at the center of Macy’s holiday narratives this season, as individual connection and mentor stories are told through social, in-store messaging and digital media. Through this, customers will be able to engage directly with BBBSA, their people, and their mission.

This December select Macy’s stores will host customized events for Littles and Bigs in their communities. Locations will offer holiday events to help local Big Brothers Big Sisters communities kick off the holiday season in style. Complete with a visit from Santa himself, each event will invite Littles with their Big to pick out gifts on their list and enjoy everything Macy’s has to offer this holiday season.

To launch the new partnership with BBBSA, Macy’s will debut a formal celebration of mentors within the organization by offering financial bonuses, internal recognition, and exposure to senior leadership through Macy’s Best Mentor & Mentee. Colleagues will be encouraged to share examples of where they provided mentorship at a specific moment in time, peer-to-peer guidance, or a more formal mentoring relationship, including reverse mentorship. This program will be available to all Macy’s colleagues to promote the mission behind this important partnership.

For more information, please visit macys.com/purpose. Join the conversation on social by tagging @macys and @bbbsamerica.

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About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our purpose—to create a brighter future with bold representation—that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers and communities.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

CONTACTS:

Macy’s External Communications

Christine Nealon / Ryan Gannon

communications@macys.com

BBBSA Communications

Dvon Williams

Dvon.Williams@bbbsa.org

TAMPA, FL (October 27, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent leader in one-to-one youth mentoring organizations in the United States, joins the growing coalition pledging to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As one of over 2,000 CEOs who have come together for CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens is committing himself and BBBSA to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By signing on to this commitment, BBBSA is pledging to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. The collective of over 2,000 signatories have already shared more than 1,400 best-known actions, exchanging tangible learning opportunities and creating collaborative conversations via the initiative’s unified hub, CEOAction.com.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was born out of justice to create more equity for kids, bringing together diverse communities so all kids can be included for opportunity and a better life,” said BBBSA President and CEO Artis Stevens. “I am proud that we are living our values and creating a work environment that is more diverse and inclusive.”

Organizations joining the pledge are taking a step towards effecting positive change. A diverse and inclusive workforce facilitates community, but also drives innovation and creativity. A study found that 85 percent of those surveyed reported that diversity is a key component to fostering innovation. CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is cultivating a new type of ecosystem centered around collaboration and sharing. The actions, available via CEOAction.com, showcase real-life examples of the open and transparent conversations to cultivate more diverse and inclusive workplace environments. By joining together to tackle this critical societal issue, we hope to cultivate more diverse and inclusive workplaces in the nonprofit industry.

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is led by a steering committee of CEOs and leaders from Accenture, BCG, Deloitte US, The Executive Leadership Council, EY, General Atlantic, KPMG, New York Life, Procter & Gamble, and PwC. The coalition represents 85 industries, all 50 US States, and millions of employees globally. To learn more about the pledge, visit CEOAction.com. The website serves as a hub for information sharing, idea generation, and program development. With more than 1,400 best-known actions shared, companies that are not currently implementing the elements of the pledge can use it as an opportunity to learn from others that are already doing so. Learning from, and sharing, actions help companies drive greater engagement within their own programs, as well as mentor others on their journey.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org. 

About CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Bringing together over 2,000 CEOs of America’s leading organizations, the commitment outlines actions that participating companies pledge to take to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, employees feel comfortable and encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion, and where best known—and unsuccessful—actions can be shared across organizations. Learn more at CEOAction.com and connect with us on Twitter: @CEOAction.