We're reflecting on our history and looking ahead to a revolutionary future
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JULY 2021 ISSUE
From the President & CEO
Dear friends,
In 1951 three people banded together to create an organization focused solely on girls. At the time, this was revolutionary; today, Big Sister is part of the fabric of our region. Over the years, thousands of girls have been mentored by a caring Big Sister who is supported by our professionally trained staff. We remain 100% invested in girls, and, we ensure that every girl, regardless of background or circumstances, has access to opportunities that spark their passion and power to succeed.
As we celebrate our 70th anniversary this year, I want you to know that the leadership of this organization, including our Board of Directors, continues to be passionately committed to equity. We learn, adapt, and change. We stumble at times, but we keep going. Over the past few years we have made a significant number of changes while ensuring that our values remain at the core of our decisions.
- We hired a Director of Equity and Inclusion to oversee the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic inclusion plan.
- We require cultural competency interviews for all candidates at the manager level and above.
- We train every volunteer interested in becoming a Big Sister in racial equity including an introduction to Boston’s neighborhoods, and Boston’s history.
- We launched Our Big Futures, a workforce development program for Little Sisters that provides coaching, support, and resources to achieve sustainable financial independence via career development and/or college success.
- We created the New Girls Network, to help young women learn the skills to network, talk about their strengths, make connections, and support each other through mentorship from mid and late-career women.
We have changed and evolved over the past 70 years; we have been--and remain--leaders in our community, and we have always been revolutionary. And yet, one thing has never changed: our commitment to the beating heart of our organization, our Big and Little Sisters.
In gratitude,
Deborah Re
Big Sister Rachael and Little Sister Tianna with a volunteer skipper
Little Sister Lilly takes the helm with a volunteer skipper
Big Sister (and staff member!) Amanda is ready to raise the sail with her Little Sister Miyah and their volunteer skipper
Little Sister Danielle learns some nautical knot-tying
Big Sister and Little Sisters Set Sail!
Earlier this month Big and Little Sisters reunited for our first in-person activity in more than a year! Fourteen of our Big and Little Sister matches set sail on Boston Harbor for a day of nautical fun. The annual AdventureSail activity is hosted by Big Sister in collaboration with the Courageous Sailing Center and the National Women's Sailing Association.
Big and Little Sisters had the opportunity to sail with women skippers who showed them the basics of sailing around the Harbor. Though it was cloudy, there was enough wind to fill the sails and brightness from the smiles of Little Sisters enjoying a new experience. After coming off the water, matches enjoyed lunch provided by the Courageous Sailing Center, then relaxed while learning some basic knot-tying techniques. It was a day of learning, working together, and adventure for all involved!
Little Sister Jasmine
Little Sister Jasmine and her Big Sister Melissa rocking out at our Big Sister Appreciation Breakfast
Little Sister Awarded Scholarship
Every year many of our teen Little Sisters apply for scholarships with support from Wanda Rodriguez, our Coordinator of Our Big Futures. This Big Sister Boston specialty program sets up Little Sisters for success in post-secondary educational and career pursuits. Wanda worked alongside Little Sister Jasmine, a senior at Boston Arts Academy, on her scholarship submission. In June, Jasmine was awarded the Peter Gammons Scholarship from The Foundation To Be Named Later. The scholarship will provide funding for Jasmine’s first semester at UMass Boston, with the opportunity to apply for additional funds for her Spring semester.
Little Sister Jasmine has been part of the Big Sister Boston community since 2013, when we matched her with Big Sister Melissa. The two have enjoyed many activities together, including Big Sister Boston staff-led workshops and attending camp Fleur de Lis together through our campership initiative.
Get a glimpse into their relationship with this video clip from 2017.
Little Sister Valeria
Little Sister Valeria and Big Sister Elizabeth at their first match meeting
Meet the Intern: Little Sister Valeria
In 2017, we matched Little Sister Valeria with her Big Sister Elizabeth. Over the years, Valeria has become increasingly involved with our organization, joining the Our Big Futures (OBF) program, sitting on our Junior Advisory Board—which provides leadership opportunities and a stipend for Little Sisters and teen Big Sisters—and now as our Summer Intern! Get to know more about Valeria, in her own words, in the interview below.
What did you think when you found out you were being matched with a Big Sister?
I felt excited. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the thought of being able to have support from someone else was so new to me.
What were your first impressions of your Big Sister? What about now?
I've been matched with Elizabeth for four years now! I was very nervous about having a new person in my life, but the idea of having someone to try activities with and generally get to share exciting things that happen in my personal life was new for me. Everything I hoped for in a Big Sister I got to experience and share with her, which I’m very grateful for. Through getting to know each other we found that we had in common our love for horses. I grew up always wishing I could ride one and since my Big Sister had a horse I was able to do that!
Click here to read more of our interview with Little Sister Valeria.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Don't miss out on these upcoming events in support of Big Sister's mentoring and enrichment programs for girls!
Get Your Tickets for our 33rd Annual Car Raffle
Drawing Date: Thursday, July 29
1:00 PM at 100 Summer Street, Boston
Get your tickets today for our 33rd Annual Car Raffle and you'll be entered to win your choice of a brand new BMW 430i convertible or $40,000 cash. Tickets are going fast and are near selling out!
Only 1,951 tickets will be sold - get yours before they are gone!
SOCA Cardio-kickboxing with Big Sister Boston's Diversity Board
Wednesday, July 28
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
In-Person and Virtual
Sweat it out in the name of sisterhood with our Diversity Board's annual SOCA Cardio-kickboxing Fundraiser! This is a beginner friendly class.
Join Team Big Sister in the Rodman Ride for Kids
Saturday, September 25
Virtual and In-person Options
Who's that girl? Find out when we celebrate our 70th anniversary at Big in Boston on October 7. We're going in-person this year, and can't wait to see you there!
Register to ride/fundraise, make a donation to the team, or both!.
Big in Boston 2021
Thursday, October 7
6:30 PM
Boston Children's Museum
Who's that girl? Find out when we celebrate our 70th anniversary at Big in Boston on October 7. We're going in-person this year, and can't wait to see you there!
Click here for event website.
Presenting Partner
Give & Get
Support Big Sister at Stop & Shop in August
For the month of August 2021, Big Sister Boston will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 1620 Tremont Street, Boston MA.
Shop Global, Give Local
AmazonSmile customers can support Big Sister Association of Greater Boston in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
- Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click here for instructions.
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