insurgent49
  updated weekly
 home - contribute - donate -  message board - events - links - contact us - archive
February 26, 2007
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

The Greater Good

     I have been working at Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for the past six months and never have I written my column about the organization. Despite my eagerness and profound belief in BBBS’ mission, feelings of hesitancy always seemed to surface at the moment I began to type. BBBS, like many nonprofit organizations, is nonpartisan.

     Volunteers (“Bigs”) are ultimately the backbone of our organization, and I would never want anyone who had negative feelings about Insurgent49 to choose not to volunteer based on one opinionated leftist columnist. I believe that good earnest people emerge from all societal labels, and working at BBBS has only furthered this belief. Republicans, conservative Christians, and all the other groups that I have at some point bashed in my column can be good people too.

    BBBS is an organization that essentially pairs volunteers with children who are often in need of a little guidance, friendship, and support. We match based on personality, interests, and preferences. If done correctly, positive social change can stem from these relationships and the impact can directly effect our society.

    According to studies, a child who has a stable mentor in their life is 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 52% less likely to skip school, and is often more confident and successful in school.
 
    Furthermore, BBBS is able to initiate friendships that otherwise would probably not exist. These friendships are able to transcend socio-economic classes; they build bridges and expand horizons for both the child as well as the volunteer.

    I am lucky enough to see these changes and these friendships grow. In many ways it is like watching a flower blossom, and it is BBBS who plants the seed. It is organizations like these that give me faith in humanity.

    Volunteers come from every profession, race, economic class, political affiliation, religion etc. with the intentions to become a mentor, have some fun, and make this community a better place.

    Children in our program are just as varied, although oftentimes they need a little extra. The single mother who would like her son to have a male role model is quite common in our program. Here in Anchoragem, the waiting list of Little Brothers who need a Big Brother is quite large. Over eighty Little Brothers are in need of a Big, some have been waiting years.

    And, like every nonprofit, BBBS of Anchorage is in need. We need volunteers, especially men, and we also need funds in order to carry out our mission. There are so many organizations that depend on human kindness in order to flourish.

    So, yes, I work for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I believe in it, and I am proud of it. We are currently holding one of our annual fundraisers: Bowl for Kids Sake. I am a captain for the team called The Insurgents (go figure).  If you are interested in donating click here, then click ‘donate to a bowler’ and search for my name.

    I promise you it is a worthy cause that is bettering our Anchorage community




     

      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.

     'Rank and File' appears on insurgent49.com every Monday.
- Columnists -

Editor's Desk
by Aaron Selbig

Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs

Red Alert
by Soren Wuerth

Alaskan In Exile
by Neil Zawicki

The
Bramble Bush
by Kevin Morford


The Tao
of Waitressing
by Lindsay Luckey







Copyright 2005 Insurgent Media. All Rights Reserved.
in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.