Atlanta is teaming up with My Brother’s Keeper and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued a call to action on Thursday, June 13, 2019, asking for 100 male volunteers to serve as “Big Brother” mentors to boys ages 6 to 14.
“As the mother of three boys, I know how important it is for youth in our communities to see and engage with positive male role models,” she said. “It is up to all of us to create the kind of city that we want to live in, and I am confident that the men of Atlanta — be they barbers, teachers, city employees, public officials, corporate executives, athletes, entertainers and every occupation in between — will answer the call to help us create a city where our boys see and believe that they can become anything they dream of being.”
Earlier this year, Bill Hawthorne, chief equity officer for the city of Atlanta, and other local officials met with leaders from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta upon learning that there are 100 boys who live in Atlanta who are on a waitlist for mentors.
Bottoms committed to elevating the importance and impact of the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has served local youth for nearly 60 years. The organization came under new leadership in 2018 and has a longstanding track record of work that aligns with her goals of building a safe and welcoming city with thriving communities and neighborhoods and residents who are equipped for success.
Kwame Johnson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, spoke about the partnership goal.
“We are honored to partner with the mayor’s office as part of Atlanta’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative”, Johnson said. “Our initial goal is to match the 100 boys we have on our waiting list in the city of Atlanta. Through this partnership, we can help defend the potential of students that are seeking a Big Brother mentor to help them navigate life. I personally know the impact of mentorship, and I am excited that Mayor Bottoms is offering the support of her administration to help more young boys reach their full potential.”
n order to serve as a Big Brother, registrants must be over the age of 21 and able to commit to meeting with the appointed Little Brother a couple of times a month for at least one year.
All local men are encouraged to join this citywide call to action. Priority matching will go to men living in or near the 30315, 30318 and 30310 zip codes.
If you are an Atlanta man who is interested in answering the mayor’s call to action, visit www.atlantaga.gov/MenToMentorsChallenge to learn more and register for an upcoming information session.
