Why I Nonprofit – Part 2

In the mid-1990s, I decided it was time for me to volunteer for something.

But what?

Since I enjoyed engaging with youth, and mentoring felt appealing, I applied to be a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.

After passing an FBI background check and a psychological assessment interview, I was assigned my first “Little.”

Here was the gig: I was required to pick the kid up from his home roughly once a week and spend a few hours with him. What we did was up to us. Sometimes we played ball. Other times we walked at various San Diego points of interest. I think we took in a few movies together. We probably went to some playgrounds and perused shopping malls, too.

He was shy and quiet, so I took it on faith he was enjoying himself.

After some time (maybe two years?), his family moved to another state. So I re-upped and was matched with another boy. He and his mom lived in Poway.

Same gig. I picked him up once a week, and we did stuff together. He was not as quiet as my first Little, but not too expressive either. That said, it was easier to see that he was enjoying our time together, and we spent several years going on weekly mini-adventures together.

I knew what I was doing was a nice thing to do—providing companionship and a stable relationship for a boy living with his single mother and having no other constant adult male presence or mentorship. Just being consistent was helpful—being a reliable constant in the boy’s life.

But I had no idea the impact I was really having until I attended a volunteer appreciation dinner in 1995.

A national study had been conducted that year. It examined the outcomes for Littles with a Big Brother or Big Sister compared to Littles still on a waiting list who hadn’t been matched with a big brother or sister.

The CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County presented the findings of the study.

What he said stunned me.

According to the study, the outcomes for kids with a Big Brother or Sister compared to those without were that:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs.
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol.
• 52% less likely to skip school.
• 37% less likely to skip a class.
• 33% less likely to hit someone.

Further, those with Big Brothers/Big Sisters were more likely to go to college.

As he spoke, I kept thinking, “I’m doing THAT??? I thought I was just giving the kid something to do and a little companionship once a week.”

Here I was in my late 20s, still quite oblivious. That dinner changed me. I started to realize the impact of volunteerism goes much further and deeper than we realize.

One seemingly trifling act of kindness can literally change the trajectory of another person’s life.

My Little and I continued our weekly outings until he was in high school, at which point he spread his wings and we said our goodbyes.

From there, I’ve enjoyed volunteering (sometimes on boards, sometimes as an individual contributor) at United Jewish Federation, Mama’s Kitchen, some professional associations, and currently, San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention and the North County Philanthropy Council.

Each volunteer experience has been profound in its own way. And, I’m sure, with impact far beyond my simple comprehension.

It’s cliché, but that volunteer ripple effect is REAL.

I’ve seen it firsthand. I’m sure you have too.

Oh, and my “Little”? He’s all grown up, of course. We are connected on Facebook. He’s doing great.

That’s why I nonprofit.