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When we hear the names, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Clubs, we tend to think of specific organizations, connected to national associations or movements, and long established histories in local communities across Canada. These brand names often suggest links to particular images: for example, Big Brothers Big Sisters links with one-to-one volunteer matches and mentoring; and Boys and Girls Club links with physical facilities and after school drop in programs of a social-recreational nature. Yet, many Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and Boys and Girls Clubs are much more diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for children and young people, from child care to preschools, from recreation to counseling, and from homework clubs to alternate schools. Their names reflect more their histories than their current ways of working.
In pursuing your dream, it is important, first and foremost, to focus on the needs and interests of children and young people in your community; and, on the types of programs and resources that might meet their needs and interests. The issue of organization or even of brand name should come later. Chapter 6 talks more specifically about organizational issues.
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