VOLUNTEER AS A MATCH!

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LITTLE BIG VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Welcome to a whole world of fun, learning, and resources - The Little Big Virtual Academy!

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 (either in-person or virtually) click here to check it out!
TIME MANAGEMENT TRAINING WITH STEVE MCCLATCHY

Great decision making habits can yield a lifetime of success and achievements while poor ones can keep you stressed, frustrated and out of balance. If you are looking for a new and fresh perspective on effective decision making, motivation and success this is a don’t miss presentation. After attending this presentation participants will be able to:
  • Focus on results and the true drivers of performance.
  • Regain critical planning and personal time.
  • Dramatically increase work/life engagement
This event is being hosted by BBBS Independence of Philadelphia.
Wednesday, February 9, 5:00 – 6:30pm. Please click here to register.
FAFSA INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR SERIES

The series, running February 8 through March 1, will cover general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. Please click here for more detailed information.
 
CDL (TRUCK DRIVING) DISCOVERY DAY!

Learn what it takes to be a CDL Driver in this FREE 3-hour workshop!
  • Learn about CDL training requirements for semi-truck and bus drivers
  • Job openings, wages, company perks from local employers
  • Insight and advice from local drivers
  • Pre-trip inspections and equipment
  • Experience climbing into the actual driver seat
  • Get all your questions answered...see if driving is the right career fit!
Wednesday, March 16, 1:00-4:00pm at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. Please click here for building and where to park.
To register please contact Greg at Career Solutions 320-761-3339 or email gregory.holub@csjobs.org.
YOUTHBUILD

Youthbuild is for youth and young adults interested in Construction. Career Solutions Minnesota Youthbuild program's purpose is to provide youth ages 16-21 with an opportunity to learn construction trades while contributing to their community. Specialized training in the building trades develops participant's construction skills while helping communities expand or improve housing for economically disadvantaged populations and the homeless.

Sartell Community Showcase - A free family friendly event. Play games and explore local businesses. It's a great day full of activities, games and entertainment for the whole family. This year it's camping themed. Saturday, February 26, 9am - 12pm. Please click here for more information.
Pot O'Gold Run - The Bernick's Family Fitness Series is back with its first 2022 onsite race! Join the Pot O'Gold Run on Saturday, March 12 at Riverview Intermediate School in Sartell. Registration is $5 per person. Sign up by February 21 to secure your t-shirt! Please click here for more information and registration.
KIDS DREAM Family Film Series - Presented by American Insurance. Join Marcus Parkwood Cinema Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, January 14 thru March 6, to view your favorite family flicks! Please click here for free tickets.
The Match Discount Partners list has been recently updated! Check out all of the great ideas for your Match here! Here are two of our newest match discount partners!
AirMaxx - $9 for the Big and $4.50 for the Little for 1 hour, required jump socks not included.
Pizza Ranch (Monticello) - With purchase of one buffet at regular price by the Big, Little will receive 50% off buffet. Items ordered off the menu will be a 25% discount.
For this new year encourage your friends & family to BE BIG IN 22. We are looking for more Bigs to ignite the potential of our youth. Click here to get started today!
Please reach out to Tina with any questions or to refer your friends and family, Tina@BigDefenders.org or 320.258.4537.
2021-22 OPTIMIST ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

“How Does An Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow”
(sponsored by the Central MN Noon Optimist Club)

The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19, with the opportunity for local prizes, and a district scholarship. We will be providing the following prizes locally: 
  • 1st place $500
  • 2nd place: $250
  • 3rd place:$150

In addition, the top placers at each school will win $150 as long as they are not a 1st or 2nd place winner!

Our local contest winner will also be entered into an area essay contest (the Dakotas, Manitoba, Minnesota District of Optimist International) where the first-place prize is a $2,500 scholarship. 

 The contest entry deadline is February 9, 2022.

Please click here for application. For questions and submitting applications please contact Aimee Minnerath AMinnerath@BGCMN.org. Paper copies can be mailed to:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Central MN
Attention: Aimee Minnerath
345 30th Ave N
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
CURRENT COVID-19 IN-PERSON
MENTORING GUIDELINES
 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) have updated their COVID-19 guidelines for in-person interactions, including recommendations for persons who have been fully vaccinated (defined as being more than two weeks out from receiving either the single-dose vaccine or their second dose of a two-dose vaccine). Accordingly, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN (BBBS) has updated its guidelines and recommendations for in-person match meetings. Please see our website to review updated guidelines.
UPDATE ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES

Dr Artika Tyner said in her MLK Day address, “Children are our future and we need to train and inspire those who will be the next drum majors, doers, builders, leaders." Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is focused on helping youth reach their potential and build their futures.

We are also dedicated to inclusiveness. Everyone is welcome.

We pride ourselves on making Big Brothers Big Sisters a safe place for everyone. Just as we welcome children and families from a diverse array of backgrounds, we welcome diverse volunteers as well. We believe that diversity and uniqueness are assets and by modeling this for our youth, we help encourage them to be, and believe in, themselves. We recognize that the bias that exists in our culture puts BIPOC and LGBTQ youth (and adults) at a greater risk for negative health and safety outcomes, such as depression, bullying, homelessness, suicidality, and substance abuse. We also know that the best protective factor against these risks is for a young person to have a positive, supportive, consistent adult in their life. We are building our community.

We defend the potential of all youth and celebrate the diversity of every person who walks through our doors; whether a Big, Little, parent/guardian, employee, board member, or community partner.
Please visit our BBBS Website to view resources and information for parents/guardians & Bigs including mentoring videos and parenting resources. We also have an extensive listing of community resources including tutors, food and housing assistance, and mental health resources. BigDefenders.org

In addition, we also list past issues of the Big Happenings on our website. Please click here to access past issues.
AROUND CLOUD TUTORS CONTINUES TO PREPARE STUDENTS!

As the school year continues it’s crucial we set students up for success. Around Cloud Tutors continues to provide free, virtual tutoring services to all K-12 students in the greater St. Cloud region throughout the school year. Please click here for link.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN | 320-253-1616 | BigDefenders.org