Letters to the Editor
February 2002
Solutions to Education Funding Crisis
This letter is in response to Ed Felien’s article, “$30 Million Short: How do
you cut the school budget?” from the January 2002 edition of Southside Pride
Phillips/Powderhorn Edition. We would like to take this opportunity to inform your readers
and community residents about the School-based Mentoring Program through Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Greater Minneapolis. Did you know that you can make a BIG difference in only
one hour a week? It’s true! Just you and a child … a new friend.. spending an
hour a week together learning new things. School-based mentoring is a one-to-one mentoring
program. The program is designed to serve elementary students who may be experiencing
academic difficulties, low self-esteem, or problems relating to peers. Volunteers are
asked to commit to a child for one academic year and will meet once a week for an hour at
the school. You and your school-based case manager will determine the best time to meet
and while a consistent weekly schedule is preferred, it is not necessary. School-based
mentoring offers a programming alternative for volunteers that easily fits into your
schedule and provides a break from your “adult” schedule. It’s a chance to
be a kid again while helping a kid progress towards being a successful adult. If you know
how to be a good friend, you’ll make a great school-based mentor.
What will you do during your hour together? Work on a school project, visit the computer
lab, or simply share a sandwich while helping a kid discover the world and all its amazing
possibilities. You can do a lot in an hour—or a little. It’s all about
friendship. And just by being a friend, you’ll make an incredible difference. Contact
Naomi Munzner @ 612 366-3108 on mentoring at Four Winds American Indian Magnet School and
Benjamin Banneker, Jessica Trom at 612 366-3106 on mentoring at Andersen Open and Andersen
Elementary and Sheila Piippo on mentoring at Bancroft and Emerson Spanish Immersion.
Please visit our website at www.bbbsmpls.org
—we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Naomi Munzner
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Minneapolis