A Worthwhile Cause
Filed under: Inspiration
CLICK HERE to read up and donate to a worthwhile cause.
But. more important than donating money is volunteering your time for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Do it for the kids!
Posted: May 12, 2008 at 9:14 am
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35 comments to “A Worthwhile Cause” |
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Another worthwhile cause: www.magicwater.org - help cure pediatric cancer, specifically neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. 100% of donations are spent on finding a cure.
SCREW BIG BROTHERS! I applied two times to volunteer with them and they never even got back to me even though I've been mentoring for over two years and have experience. They're really the worst nonprofit and so unorganized. Do habitat for Humanity instead
Do NOT donate your time here if you are a gay couple. Both myself and my partner were denied being a "Big Couple" as gay marriage is not "aknowledged" here in Missouri. NOT ACCEPTABLE
Do NOT donate your time here if you are a gay couple. Both myself and my partner were denied being a "Big Couple" as gay marriage is not "aknowledged" here in Missouri. NOT ACCEPTABLE !! BTW, this is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City
Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a terrible organization. They assigned my son a Big Brother at the age of 10, and the guy proceeded to sexually molest my little boy for the next two years. It literally stole his innocence and ruined his life, he is 36 now and only beginning to recover from it.
This is not an isolated incident, either. I've known two other women who had the same experience. It's a great way for pedophiles to get connected with kids, because they really do not screen the adults.
I would never volunteer my time to this organization, or give them money, or support them in any way whatsoever, and this includes giving to any organization (United Way for example) which supports them.
Hey, Brian - oddly, the very same organization (BBBS of Kansas City) that turned down you and your partner is the one that unleashed the pervert on my child. And when I informed them of the abuse, there wasn't even a word of apology. They simply ignored me.
Thanks for highlighting such an amazing organization! I run a school based program and we need all the support and volunteers we can get!
Re: Judy – As a worker for a different BBBS, please let me apologize. That should have never happened and I am sorry you and your son were mistreated.
This is a wonderful organization. My mother works for BBBS of Ontario, Canada. And it is not run at all like Kanas'. They are extremely open and accepting. However they are extremely vigilent and careful with matching children. There is various screening programs that an individual must partake in before they can be approved as a big brother or sister. And if any suggestion of abuse, whether physical,emotional,or mental, it is taken extremely seriously. I hope that because of a few bad situations elsewhere it doesn't ruin the amazing reputation BBBS has, and always will.
Be a big brother/sister, and help change a childs life!
A very worthwhile cause!! After reading some of the comments below I am terribly terribly sorry you and your families had to go through with that, but I can honestly tell you that all of the branches are not as careless. My father is the CEO of the branch where I am from, and he is still in contact with some of his little brothers from when they were in the program more than 20 years ago and now are grown with families of their own. Many of them say they probably would be in jail if it wasn't for this program.
Do YOU donate to the cause Perez?
Every organization has its wonderful stories and its horrible stories. The great thing about Big Brothers Big Sisters is that the national organization gives its local affiliates the freedom to run it to address community needs. I am a Big Sister in a rural area….its been a great experience and Ive felt I made a difference. This organization promotes good Big Brothers and Big Sisters regardless of sex, race, sexual orientation, or religious preference.
I am a volunteer in Canada with BBBS and it is so rewarding, and seeing my little sister grow is a really special process and I am honoured to be a part of it… I highly recommend volunteering!
I hope that these negative comments open the eyes of people who never knew how BBBS ran. Not allowing gay couples and it NOT ACCEPTABLE. It is 2008 and gay couples are everywhere.
Molestation happens EVERYWHERE. I was molested by my FATHER, however, I don't spend my time talking shit about all dads everywhere.
I'm sorry that happened to your son, but shaming the name of an organization, that regardless of your personal opinion, has helped THOUSANDS upon thousands of children.. including myself, is irresponsible and selfish. My Big Sister made a big impact on my life when I was a teenager. I'm really glad that my mom signed me up.
Molesters haven. fuckn GROSS and WRONG.
Camp Fire USA serves both boys and girls as well. If BBBS doesn't work for you, check it out!
I don't think Perez would have posted this if he knew that this organization prevents gay people from volunteering. But, I guess that leave 90% of the rest of the population who can be Big Brothers/Big Sisters. So, I guess there is a net gain. In the interest of the kids…I say, "Go For It Heteros! Help the Kids!"
People think because there are gays on TV and people like Perez are in the public eye that we are doing just fine and there is no discrimination for our kind.
But….rules and policies still OPPOSE us because - apparently - we gays are too vile and depraved to (1) Be Big Brothers, (2) Be a Boy Scout Leader, (3) Donate Blood to the Red Cross, (4) Be Foster Parents in many states, (5) Be out in the military, (6) Get married, (7) inherit money from our partners, (8) etc. etc. etc.
Moriah, I am extremely sorry that you feel I am irresponsible and selfish because I spoke up about what this organization did to my child. I think the concept is a wonderful idea, and indeed I would not have gone to them and asked that a big brother be assigned to my child if I had not. But they don't screen people, and my child was irreparably damaged. As was the child of a friend of mine, whose Big Brother molested not only her son, but all the other 9 boys in his scout troop - and at the same time was dating her. I think it's too easy for pedophiles to get in there, and be offered up these prime candidates for molestation. Kids who need a Big Brother/Sister need love for one reason or another (my son's father never had anything to do with him after the divorce) and are too eager to take it, even if the wrong type of love is being offered. It's like a candy store for pedophiles.
I don't spend my time going around bad-mouthing BBBS either, Moriah. Most of the time I don't give them any thought at all. But I have the right to state my opinion of them and to tell what happened to my family because of their carelessness when I see someone asking that we give money and volunteer. People have the right to know that these things happen. Whether BBBS of Greater Kansas City cares or not.
And Les, Kansas City is in Missouri, not "Kanas".
Judy - Being that this happened to your son 26 years ago, I'm sure that there are more safety measures in place and a better screening process than there was back then.
As a case manager for BBBS I have matched many gay and lesbian individuals. No where in any of the BBBS grants, handbooks, guidelines, ethics codes etc. does it discriminate against matching homosexual individuals. Parents have the option of specifying if they do not prefer their child matched with someone that is LGBT but if they don't than by all means we match discrimination free. But again….this can be an agency specific thing. Please don't think badly of a worldwide program that helps thousands because of one stupid agency's decisions. If you are wondering if your agency specifically, call and ask.
And you are very correct, BBBS is very thorough on screening and backgrounds to prevent further incidents from occuring. My staff and I recently attended a training specific on signs to look for, ways to be safe…all about preventing terrible things from happening. Also BBBS is now beginning to eliminate overnights for matches to lessen chances some more.
Judy it is horrible what happend to your son, but I doubt this organization knew that this person was going to do this to you. The organization is not perfect like any other organization but there are thousands of children who have benifited from this program. You don't always know who is a pervert.
BBBS is a great organization. It helps all kinds of kids coming from numerous backgrounds. They screen by doing a background check, driving check, reference check, hr long interview, and training.
I am a Big Sister and love it. It is a rewarding experience knowing I am helping a young person develop into a fine young adult.
I volunteer with BBBS as a Big Sister, and I used to work for a BBBS agency. I love the organization, and have loved my time as a Big Sister. It is a wonderful and inspiring agency, and deserves all the help it can get.
It is NOT BBBS policy to deny a gay couple to serve as a Big Couple; it's generally the families that aren't accepting of that for their children, especially boys. Had you applied separately, you probably would've been matched. I have interviewed families, and many parent/guardians stated that if their son didn't know about it, they wouldn't care, but most didn't want their son exposed to that. It's not BBBS's fault.
Also, I'm very sorry about the boys that were molested; screening wasn't what it should have been, but it's been updated. For the agency I worked for, we have never experienced that situation. It is not BBBS's fault that pedophiles and NAMBLA are constantly trying to get past the screening system. NAMBLA actually published an article a few years back about how to get past the BBBS interview specifically and the interview process had to change drastically because of it. The people who work for this agency work as hard as they can to screen volunteers, and criminal history, sex offender, and dmv reports are run on anyone who interviews. If you really want to stop those people from getting in, help donate to the agency so that technology can be constantly updated and let the ACLU know that their support of NAMBLA is NOT constitutional.
thanks for putting up something that does good in the community, perez.
As Webmaster for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I was pleased to find a good rise in visits to our web site today. It seems we have PerezHilton.com's plug for Big Brothers Big Sisters to thank — and we do!
Thanks also to the Big Brothers Big Sisters friends who are doing a great job in the comments of explaining how the organization operates.
A few points bear underscoring:
Child safety is our first priority. The decision to accept a volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister is made following a personal interview, background check and recommendations. Matches are monitored, which means staff members check in periodically with each "Little," the parent or guardian, and volunteer "Big."
Big Brothers Big Sisters has a policy against discrimination. We do our best to match adults with children with similar interests, and honor parents’ wishes.
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring works: independent research showed that children in the program are less likely to skip school, begin using alcohol and illegal drugs, and be involved in violence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers. We are currently focused on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African-Americans and Hispanics. Please visit our web site, http://BigBrothersBigSisters.org for more information.
Re: JackTX –
Jack wrote: "I don't think Perez would have posted this if he knew that this organization prevents gay people from volunteering."
Excellent point. Thing is, though, that all of this newfound "philanthropy" on Perez's part is just a smokescreen…a sham…a front…a cover to make himself look like a better person. I'm sure his handlers/lawyers/PR-people, etc…have told him he needs to soften his image a little if he wants to get access to celebrities, settle lawsuits out of court, etc… Perez doesn't give a dog's shit about charities or doing good works. This campaign of his is a means to an end and nothing more.
they discriminate against gays!!!
As a former employee (and interviewer) for BBBS, I can tell you that there is EXTENSIVE background checks including multiple interviews and references done to ensure the safety of children. Additionally, EVERYONE eligible (despite sexual preference, race or religion) is accepted into the program. If you were not accepted, please do not use such a personal factor as a reason. Quite often, non-acceptance is for reasons people don't think are "big deals" ("I just smoke pot once in awhile"). It is BBBS policy to not disclose to a volunteer why they are not accepted, so blaiming sexuality is just an excuse. BBBS is there to ensure the safety and quality care of children, that has nothing to do with your sexual preference, religion or race. The only reason the question is asked regarding sexuality or religion is that the parents of the Littles have preferences, and while most parents are open on their preferences for a volunteer, unfortunately, there are some parents who are not. However, it is their child, so BBBS must respect who they would like mentoring their child. It is a WONDERFUL organization. Having worked for mulitple non-profits and as a social worker, I can honestly say there are few better. As a matter of fact, it's one of the only nfp in the States that has PROVEN results- making positive differences (kids staying in school, lower drug rates, less teenage pregnancies). Look it up.
BBBS ROCKS!!!
When I get home from work, I will attach the emails sent from BBBS. You will soon see that I WAS accepted as a gay man but was not allowed to be part of a Big Couple. It is not accepted by the greater Kansas City office as the emails state. I would attach now but I am at work on blackberry. I will prove that they are not as accepting as people say. Some may say I should do it without my partner, I do not think that is fair. Look for the cut and pasted emails in the morning once I get home. I totally agree that they are a pivotal part of the community but being part of a gay couple does not make you a molester and eveyone should be treated fairly. I was certainly left with a bad taste in my mouth.
I have been a Big for 5+ years. I love it and couldn't tell you who gets more out of it; me or my Little!!!
It's one of the best things I have ever done.
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!vI LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE BBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Perezhilton –
Congrats to Perez for bringing up BBBS - it' a great organization. I'm the openly gay CEO of the Seattle BBBS, and I can tell you with certainty that we are one of the few national organizatons that work with kids that clearly has a non-discrimination policy that includes the GLBT community. We have active outreach and support of the GLBT community - individual and partners. Come volunteer with us and make a difference. Additionally, we have the most extensive screening process in the country to insure child safety - that being said, it pains and sadden mea] to hear about any incident involving a BBBS match anywhere and my heart goes out to the family. In Seattle, we've not had an incident in our 51 year history, and that's really saying something about how seriously we take these issues.
Perez - if you are ever in Seattle, come see us!