How Big Brothers Big Sisters fits into the
Characteristics of Learning in the Jesuit Tradition
- Pursuit of Excellence
BBBS volunteers are asked to make a quality commitment to the people that we serve. "Our insistence on quality flows from a realization of how important the message is; and from a respect and love for the receiver of that message" (Arrupe).
- Respect for the World: Its History and Mystery
Often, the lives of our littles are very different from our own and it is easy to pair down a person's qualities into those that are "good" and "bad." But each child that is part of the BBBS program has a history deeper and richer than we can see at first glance and we ask each mentor to take the time to recognize, respect and nourish the created gifts in each child.
- Learning from Experience
BBBS is a vital part of the Service Learning program. Learning through involvement broadens perspective, improves interpersonal and crticial thinking skills, and enhances a sense of civic responsibility.
- Contemplative Vision Informed by Hope
Young people can bring a world of possibilities to the cynic. Both the littles and the bigs can fill the world of their partners with a renewed vision of what can be, a perspective different from what they have heard from the people around them.
- Development of Personal Potential
This aspect has to do with cura personalis, or care of the whole person. A mentor is more than a teacher, advisor, advocate, etc., though he or she can be all of those things. A mentor is a friend who seeks to be who you need when you need it.
- Critical Thinking and Effective Communication
Communication can be a struggle, even for people who have a lot in common. It takes a lot of practice and genuine good will to learn to communicate effectively across social boundaries (age, race, gender, ethnicity, class, educational level, etc.), but the rewards will last a lifetime.
- Appreciation of Things Both Great and Small
Have you forgotten how great a snowball tastes on a hot afternoon? Can you remember the anticipation of Halloween? Sharing these moments with a child will help both of you experience the true moments of joy in life.
- Commitment to Service
Learning to share is a foundation of our childhood that too often we outgrow. Recharge that important social value by sharing your time with someone who needs you.
- Special Concern for the Poor and Oppressed
Every child served by BBBS has some need, and those who live in New Orleans are all affected in some way by the systemic poverty of the city. Giving hope to one child in one neighborhood can make a huge difference to this community.
- Linking Faith with Justice
All faith communities have a commitment to creating a just world. BBBS provides firsthand experience for people to examine their world through the eyes of a child and see the needs for local communities to bringing about that justice.
- International and Global Perspective
BBBS just celebrated its centennial anniversary and boasts volunteers worldwide. It is our hope that student involvement in BBBS will create a lifelong love of community service and activism.
- Discerning Mindset
Research shows that when people are invited to reflect on their experience, they often have a broadened perspective of the world, whereas unreflected service tends to harden the initial stereotypes. The Loyola BBBS program encourages and promotes reflection on a mentors experience, so that our students can grow with their experience.
