It’s not enough to say we are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We have to work intentionally and diligently to bring about change in our organization and our communities. To ignite the potential of all young people, we have to ensure all young people have the opportunity to have a strong mentoring relationship in their lives. We are actively working to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout our organization.
In 2016 Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) launched our LGBTQ Youth Mentoring Enhancement Initiative, funded by the Altria Group. This initiative was research-based, thoughtful, and deliberate. It was designed to ensure not just that LGBTQ youth and mentors would be accepted or tolerated within Big Brothers Big Sisters, but that they would be affirmed, understood, and celebrated. The initiative includes training opportunities, inclusive policies and procedures, and specific focus on anti-bullying, self-advocacy, and identity exploration.
In 2019, the National Football League Foundation selected Big Brothers Big Sisters as a recipient of their Social Justice Grant to grow programs that involved police officers as Bigs, could attract more male volunteers , or would help youth impacted by familial incarceration (Children with an Incarcerated Family Member). Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati is proud to be part of the NFL's Inspire Change campaign, with a commitment to social and racial justice and ensuring access to opportunity is available to everyone.
We are grateful to the Altria Group, NFL "Inspire Change" Foundation, Macy's and United Way for their grants of support for our work to support justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.