Igniting the Power and Promise of Youth

Mission and Values in Action

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Our Mission

Create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Our Vision

All children achieve their full potential.

What We Stand For

We strive to create and cultivate a safe environment where individuals (regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, income, national origin, race, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status) feel respected, included, and valued. 

If this resonates with you, we invite you to read through our values, see how they come to life in our work, and join us in creating opportunities for youth to realize their full potential.

We are committed to approaching our work with humility, confidence, integrity, and fun!

OUR VALUES

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RELATIONSHIPS

We build authentic relationships through trust and accountability with youth, families, volunteers, and the community.

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YOUTH-CENTERED

We prioritize the needs of youth in our decision-making. We listen to, learn from, and support youth to thrive as experts in their own lives.

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BELONGING

We create a community where all are known, included, and connected. We recognize that everyone benefits when we amplify the voices of individuals who have historically and systemically been denied the opportunity to effect change, especially those from the Black/African American, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities.

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CONTINUOUS LEARNING & IMPROVEMENT

We are curious and continually find innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of youth and community.

Why Our Values Matter

We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of everyone in our community, including youth, families, volunteers, staff, board members, donors, and partners. These values were shaped by the voices of those we serve and work alongside, ensuring they reflect our shared beliefs in what it takes to do this important work well.

By grounding our efforts in these values and committing to equitable access to opportunity, we’ve become stronger, more responsive, and better equipped to create transformational relationships between Bigs and Littles in our programs. Our values guide us in both thriving moments and challenging times, helping us stay aligned, inclusive, and impactful.

What Littles Say

87% of Littles report that they feel welcomed, valued and included at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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    "Big Brother Big Sisters are really nice, understanding. They involve you in the conversation and it's really nice."

  • 2

    "I enjoy how positive Big Brothers Big Sisters is. I love being in a positive environment."

  • 3

    "You guys at Big Brothers Big Sisters made my school year way better and I love u all! :)"

WHAT BIGS SAY

96% of Bigs report that they feel welcomed, valued and included at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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    "The program has been amazing and the confidence the Littles show every year they are part of the program shows that the program has been and is continuing to work."

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    "I really enjoyed my time in the program and my Little Sister. She is very special and I enjoy getting to know her and seeing the world through her eyes."

  • 3

    "I love Big Brothers and Sisters, it has had such a positive impact on my life and I love getting to meet with my little sister each week."

Our Values in Action

We are proud to elevate and uphold these values and commitments not only in our programs, but in our policies, daily practices, decision-making, and board governance. Putting our values into action looks like:

  • Elevating youth as experts in their own lives, centering their voices, and honoring their perspectives to shape offerings that are responsive and relevant. 
  • Creating opportunities and experiences that shine a light on the strengths, talents, and potential already within youth and inviting them to explore their interests and imagine big futures for themselves. 
  • Recruiting staff, volunteers, and board members who reflect the diverse identities of youth in our programs, while actively addressing barriers for underrepresented candidates.
  • Forming intentional connections and partnerships in order to show up for our community with our community.
  • Taking deliberate steps to learn, grow, and act in alignment with our commitment to inclusion for people of all identities (see LGBTQ+ Certification).

Visit our blog for more examples of our values in action.

READ MORE

 

 

PARTNER WITH US

We can show up as our best selves in partnership with young people by leading with humility and curiosity. We recognize that no single story or perspective defines the human experience and that through cultivating authentic relationships, we realize the richness of diversity. We want youth to feel safe and able to express themselves fully while recognizing and honoring what makes them unique. This work is everyone’s responsibility, one that includes stakeholders, participants, and partners all doing their part to ensure that it is prioritized and sustained. No matter your role in pursuit of our mission, here are some ways you can stand with us in this work:

Recognize Your Assumptions

Young people do not need to be saved. They need to be heard, believed in, and supported. Mentors serve as an additional caring adult in a young person’s life, reinforcing their existing support network provided by family, friends, and community members.

Use Strengths-Based Language

When speaking about individuals and groups, use language that focuses on positive aspects, such as strengths and abilities. Adversity is a part of many of our stories, but it doesn’t define us. At Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, we highlight the power of youth mentoring in creating strong relationships that benefit both the Little and the Big.

Honor Multiple Perspectives

It’s not uncommon for Bigs and Littles to have different opinions, perspectives, and beliefs. Creating truly inclusive opportunities starts with recognizing our own biases and examining how they influence our decisions. We take time to understand how our assumptions have been formed by our individual experiences and make space to hear and learn from the perspectives of others. Mentorship is not about changing minds, but about expanding our understanding of the world through connection.

Be OK with Being Uncomfortable

You may experience feelings of shame, regret, anger, or sadness. Remember, discomfort is part of growth, and these feelings don’t mean that the work is wrong or should stop. When these feelings come up, we lean in and remember that it’s not about having all the answers; it’s about showing that you care by staying engaged and being willing to listen, learn, and grow together. In mentoring relationships, we encourage Bigs to let Littles guide the topics that are important to them, and support Bigs to have these conversations by providing training and resources.

Together we can create opportunities for young people in our communities to realize their full potential.

Get Involved

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