Big Brothers Big Sisters invites individuals to attend its annual “Man Up Lunch” on July 10 from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn about how mentors make a difference and change a life.

The talk, featuring Golf Channel Analyst Notah Begay, will discuss how mentors made a difference in his life and career, and how people can do the same for young men in our community.

This free event, which will be held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center located at 2401 12th Street, NW in Albuquerque, is for individuals interested in learning about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to mentor a young person in the Albuquerque community.

The University of New Mexico has a long history of volunteer involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters including participation in BBBS’ Mentor 2.0 program and Bowl for Kids Sake.

“Most men remember a positive male influence in their life that gave them the encouragement, or the advice, to help them at a crossroads in their life,” said Angela Reed Padilla, CEO. “You can be that uplifting power for a young man today, when you reach out and mentor one of the boys on our waiting list. There are several programs that fit even the busiest professional’s life style. It doesn’t take much time to make a big difference.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, operating on the belief that every child has the ability to thrive and succeed in life. For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been serving New Mexico’s youth with the help of individuals. Volunteers are fundamental in developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

“So many of the boys in our community are growing up without a positive male influence in their lives,” said Padilla. “For a few hours a month, you could provide that guidance and advice to a young man that could make a positive impact on his life choices.” 

For more information, contact UNM’s Mark Reynolds at Reynolds@unm.edu or Sebastian Martinez, BBBS community recruitment coordinator, at Sebastian.Martinez@bbbs-cnm.org.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit the BBBS website.