Big Brothers Big Sisters Partners with Black Fraternities To Mentor Youth

National President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Karen Mathis chatted with rolling out at the African-American Round Table Summit to discuss new initiatives  for the organization and getting more African Americans involved.

What do you want to see come out of the Round Table Summit?

We’re here today with many of our leaders from our three hundred and eighty five agencies around the country. Joining with the Alphas, the Kappas and the Omegas to create an historic partnership, something that’s never been done before. The point of it is to increase the number of African-American men who are willing to serve as big brothers to littles — as we call them

Why is it critical to get more African-Americans involved?

It’s critical to have more African American men involved because as one of our speakers said earlier, ‘To be one, you have to see one.’ There are long waiting lists at many of our agencies of young African Americans who are waiting for a positive influence, and we don’t have enough African American big [brothers] to serve as mentors.

What are some other things that you would like to accomplish with the organization?

I think the number one [thing] as CEO is our intentionality and by that I mean, we are putting our resources towards an increased attention to minority littles. Our theory of change is that every young person that’s being mentored can be a source of light and hope, and is the future of this country.