As Minnesota weather turns colder and people are looking for things to do indoors you and your family are invited to check out 4-H at home. All Minnesota youth are welcome to dive into 4-H at home, even if they're not currently enrolled in 4-H. There are programs on polymer scienceyouth leadershipoutdoor adventuresfood and cooking, agronomy, photography and more. Surely something for everyone!
Reading with Raptors: Join The Raptor Center live on Facebook Tuesdays at 11am CST as they read a nature book for children and answer questions, all with a different live raptor as a special guest each week. Click here for Facebook link.
Facebook Live Tour: The Raptor Center will be celebrating Give to the Max with a fun, live tour getting up close and personal with several of our raptor ambassadors - watch what happens live! Thursday November, 19 at 12pm CST. Click here for Facebook link.
NOVEMBER 20TH IS ABSURDITY DAY!

Celebrated annually on November 20th, the National Absurdity Day is dedicated to recalling absurd things in our lives, in our country and history! So this fun holiday is perfect to show your crazy, fun, and absurd side to family and friends. Click here to find more ways to celebrate!
Wishbone 5K: It's a Thanksgiving tradition! YES! The Wishbone 5K WILL take place in 2020! To keep everyone safe, run the course (open all day) or run wherever in the city (or country!) you are! Love Beaver Island Trail? RUN IT! Love Killian? RUN IT! Going to grandma's for turkey and pie? RUN THERE! Click here for more information.
Celebrate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy by submitting an essay or piece of art inspired by his work. St. Cloud area students are invited to express their thoughts and reflections creatively. Work exhibits at the 8th Annual MLK Breakfast Celebration. This year it is virtual and a weekend-long event, January 16-18, 2021!

CONTEST QUOTE
"No one may forsake their neighbors when they are in trouble. Everybody is under obligation to help and support their neighbors as they would themselves like to be helped."

Based on the quote, how have you, or can you help your neighbor/classmate/friend? How does that action help MLK's dream come closer to reality? Create either a visual, written, or spoken word piece that expresses your understanding of the quote and questions.

While the quality of work is important, judging is also based on the relevance to the quote and interpretation of the questions, and the artist statement.

Kindergarten- 4th Grade
($25 AWARDS)

5th- 8th Grade
($50 AWARDS)

9th-12th Grade
($75 AWARDS)

College
($150 AWARDS)
Our Community-Based Matches receive discounts at various businesses just for being a Match in our program. Click here to view where you can be receiving discounts together with your match discount card!
LIVE UNITED 5TH GRADE ESSAY CONTEST
 
Calling All Fifth Graders!

Annually, we encourage fifth grade students in the Central Minnesota community to write an essay on what they'd do to make a positive impact and help others in their community. Details on the contest include:
  • Incorporate the LIVE UNITED theme
  • Maximum of 100 words
  • Current enrollment in 5th grade
  • Must live within United Way of Central Minnesota service area
 
Deadline is November 20th. 

Entries can be submitted to:

First place winner receives $200 Visa gift card and 14 runners-up receive $75 Visa gift cards.
Our online store is now open so you can order Big Brothers Big Sisters shirts, sweatshirts and swag! To see new colors, you'll need to click on the item and then you'll see color options (like the black fan tee also now comes in white).

Store closes on December 7th!

Your items will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the store closes.
If you do not choose the ship to you option, your order will come to our office
at 203 Cooper Ave N. St Cloud, and we will let you know when you can pick it up.
For questions please email Tina at tina@bigdefenders.org.
LITTLE BIG VIRTUAL ACADEMY
The purpose of the Little Big Virtual Academy is to keep Littles and Bigs connected during times of physically distancing. When matches might not be able meet in-person, they can continue to communicate and interact via phone and computer. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota team has compiled a list of fun and interactive activities and resources for Littles and Bigs to do together- click here to link to the website!
PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFO
Please contact our staff if you have any questions regarding matches.

Ann Matvick, Program Director  
Ann@BigDefenders.org 320.258.4517
  
Jamie Lodermeier, Program Coordinator
Jamie@BigDefenders.org  320.258.4532
 
Kayla Meyer, Program Coordinator 
Kayla@BigDefenders.org 320.241.7996
 
Mary Bellefeuille, Lead Program Coordinator 
Mary@BigDefenders.org  320.258.4538
 
Rebecca Fonss, Program Coordinator  
Rebecca@BigDefenders.org 320.258.4519
 
Robyn Rieland, Program Coordinator 
Robyn@BigDefenders.org  320.258.4512

Tasha Bruns-Notsch, Lead Enrollment Coordinator  
Tasha@BigDefenders.org  320.258.4516
Hey BIGS!! Do you know someone who would be a great mentor to a child in our community? Use the above Big Nomination graphic by sending it to them. You could message it, text it, print and hand deliver, or post it on their social media. Let them KNOW that you could see them as a BIG! We are now holding Info Sessions online via Zoom- let's create a waiting list of Bigs!
Listed below are several community resources.

MN Warm Line Peer Support Connection - WHO TO CALL. Lists numbers to call for questions related to COVID-19, mental health concerns or just to talk. Click here for Who To Call Phone Numbers List.

Food Relief Bags - Catholic Charities Emergency Services continues to provide access to food to those in need. Food relief bags will be available for pick-up at the locations below.

Closures and Cancellations - Many state and local government offices are restricting their office hours. Click here for more information.

Metro Bus - All Routes running normally. Click here for more information.

United Way 2-1-1 Resource Hotline - United Way is encouraging anyone who may be in need of assistance accessing food, or any other essential service, to dial 2-1-1 or text MNCOVID to 898-211. Click here for more information.

Local Business Information - Many businesses are closed or have reduced their hours. Some stores and restaurants are offering curbside pick up or delivery. Click here for more information.

Great River Library - The library is now open with limited hours and curbside pick up. Information on returning books, overdue books, registering for a library card and more! Click here for more information.

Local Information and Resources - Links to business, health and entertainment resources Visit Greater St. Cloud website.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN | 320-253-1616 | BigDefenders.org