160 BBBS agency leaders, national staff and board members gather from across the country to advocate for federal policy priorities that support the needs of today’s youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) held its first distinguished Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C. on February 28, 2024, with 160 BBBS agency leaders, national staff and board members gathering from across the country to advocate for federal policy priorities that support the needs of today’s youth.
Leaders from across the Big Brothers Big Sisters network participated in more than 165 meetings with members of Congress to advocate for three legislative initiatives that focus on mentorship, workforce development and mental health:
- Increased funding of $130 million for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)Youth Mentoring Grant
- Support for the Youth Workforce Readiness Act
- Support for the RISE from Trauma Act
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America said, “This week, we were proud to bring together 160+ Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders, staff, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America board members at our annual BBBS Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C. The day was centered on what we can all do —regardless of political affiliation—to support our young people in receiving access to positive mentorship.”
Prominent figures in youth mental health gathered for a discussion on the pivotal role of mentorship in society’s growing epidemic of loneliness. The panelists included: Rafael D. Campos, Deputy Director of Public Engagement from the Office of the Surgeon General U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Max Kanner, Health Policy Advisor with U.S. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL); Dr. George Ake, Director of Training and Implementation Program at UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress and Director of Training at the Center for Child and Family Health at Duke University; and Bobbi Jo Ortiz, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso.
The extreme trauma many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with crippling isolation and increased violence, has contributed to a rise in depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and other mental health related struggles for youth. The panel offered perspectives on ways that organizations, adults, and policymakers can support these youth through their challenges, helping them to thrive long-term.
BBBS concluded its Capitol Hill Day with a reception and award ceremony to celebrate the power of positive mentorship and to honor Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for championing BBBS and policies that support mentorship.
Capitol Hill Day spotlighted BBBSA’s commitment to advancing policies that support youth mentorship and address critical issues faced by youth. By leveraging the collective expertise and advocacy power of its network, BBBS continues to champion the cause of mentorship and empower young people to reach their full potential.
