This week,  as part of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating people in action  and I wanted to recognize Rich Mullins and all of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters make sure that youth across the nation  know that someone truly cares about them.

I learned on the Boys and Girls Club of America Web-site that 52% of the young people who participated in the Boys and Girls Club of America as kids said involvement in the club “saved their lives.”

That’s impact!  So thank you to the mentors inspiring youth each day to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.  Your work inspires me!

Rich Mullins started being a Big Brother because he wanted to make a difference in the lives of young men.

Concerned with the growing number of young men in his community who lacked a father figure or role model, Rich began volunteering with his local Big Brothers Big Sisters program 29 years ago.

As a Big Brother mentor to eight boys, Rich has had a direct and positive influence on young men in his community.

These young men lacked a father figure and male role model in their lives and needed assistance with academics and learning appropriate behaviors and social skills in interacting with peers and adults.

Rich committed to spending time with his “Little” each week to provide a consistent role model in his mentees’ lives.

He formed meaningful bonds with his mentees, and included his Little Brotrs on his family vacations and trips.

He mentored each young person for several years, teaching his mentees how to make positive choices.

Through his influence eight men have changed their lives for the better and improved their own local communities.

Today, Rich’s eight Little Brothers have all graduated from High School and ome went on to college.  Some are married with their own children.

As an ambassador for the Big Brothers Big Sisters local program, Rich has recruited more men to meet the growing need for mentors.  He has also involved and supported his Little Brother mentees in their efforts to serve their communities.

In his own words,

“It is critical that we reach out to young people so they have the opportunity to grow up into healthy, happy, productive adults.  The youth of today are tomorrow’s leaders and it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part in helping them along the way.  Service to your community is critical to improving the quality of life for everyone.”