Sunday, November 24, 2013

Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer - Big Brothers Big Sisters - November 21, 2013 - - Lansing Civic Events - by Chuck Krafft


Lansing Civic Events 

Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer

November 21, 2013

I always enjoy the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber Mixers.  You run into a great, enthusiastic people who are trying to advance the economic atmosphere in the region.  This is an inclusive organization; they are interested in helping and networking with anyone of any ethnic background.

Tonight, I came along with my friend, J.T. Sunden, who is a local singer, harmonica player and guitarist for the local duo, Buzz and Buster.  Buzz and Buster are also selling art based on aerial photography, so it was natural to invite J.T. here to meet some business people. 

This event is being sponsored by Aaron Fox from Century 21 – Looking Glass and there will be a program to promote participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters for the Michigan Capital Region. 

The event started with everyone having a chance to mingle and enjoy the refreshments provided by our sponsor and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  It was a nice spread and a really congenial atmosphere.

After about a half hour, Letricia Rodriguez took to the microphone to start off the program.  She acknowledged the officers of the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber and several others who are also working to advance the Chamber’s cause.  She introduced Aaron Fox of Century 21 Looking Glass and Dr. Phillip Knight and Jessica Klinger from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

She also introduced Ricky Valenz, a graduate of Everett High School who won awards for the Best Duo and the Best Vocalist from the Tejano Music Association.  It’s a great honor to have a local musician recognized this way!

She then brought Jessica Klinger to the podium and she introduced Dr. Phillip Knight, the Executive Director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Michigan Capital Region.  Dr. Knight gave an interesting speech about the background and current activities of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The organization was started in 1904 in by a family court clerk who saw a cycle of delinquency in his work with the court.  He challenged 80 businessmen to mentor boys in 1904.  From this start Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS from now on to save our aging blogger’s fingers) grew to the organization it is today!

They have been in Lansing for about 60 years. 

Dr. Knight noted that when a BIG walks into the life of a LITTLE, the child’s attendance and academic performance improve while the chance and level of delinquency decreases because of the relationship.

He asked, “Does it really last long term?”  He then pointed out that LITTLE’s are far more likely to avoid risky behaviors (drugs, crime) and that 80% of the LITTLEs in the program say they achieved more education than they thought possible because of the relationship.  The BIG brings stability to the LITTLE’s life.  After they become adults, 67% of LITTLEs from the program volunteer to help others in the community.

They go from being a potential drain on society to being volunteers and contributing to the community.

He then related the story he titled, “An Officer and a Gentleman.” 

Marie was a mother, whose husband left the family when her son, Micah turned 5.  After she remarried, her second husband was killed four years later.  All this tragedy caused Micah to begin to shut down.  Marie contacted BBBS to ask for help.  BBBS matched Micah with Larry.  Larry attended Micah’s band concerts, soccer games and other events as well as meeting with Micah regularly.

Larry was able to communicate his values to Micah.  He helped Micah to successfully apply for schools and jobs to help Micah gain skills and confidence he would need as an adult.  At graduation, Micah gave a speech about Larry and how Larry helped him.  Both Larry and his mother, Marie were quite proud.

Micah accepted an appointment to West Point, graduated and became an officer.  Dr. Knight pointed out that West Point was able to train Micah to be an officer because Larry taught him to be a gentleman.  Larry and BBBS did a great deal to help Micah to have a successful adult life!

Right now, Lansing has more LITTLEs who need guidance than BIGs available to help them.  Dr. Knight encouraged us all to get involved with this worthwhile organization!

Velma Gauna from Century 21 Looking Glass then came to the stage to introduce Aaron Fox, the broker/owner of Century 21 Looking Glass.  Aaron is a BBBS volunteer. 

Aaron thanked the Greater Lansing Hispanic Association for the opportunity to host the event.  He spoke of his experiences as a volunteer.

He went through an extensive interview process that included fingerprinting and a multiple background checks.  (BBBS takes great care to make sure to get the best vounteers possible and to cull out those who may not be appropriate for this position.) 

Five years ago, Aaron was matched with a LITTLE, Michael, who was ten years old at the time.  It took awhile and a few meetings for a relationship to develop, but gradually Aaron and Michael got closer and were able to have real conversations.  Some times the conversations were pleasant, some times they were awkward and occasionally, Michael would call to ask for advice. 

Aaron noted that Michael had a young friend who could possibly have also used help from BBBS.

Aaron praised the BBBS staff for their willingness and ability to help with situations that a volunteer who is not a Professional in this field will encounter.  They put him in the best position to make sure he could help Michael as much as possible. 

Five years later, Michael joined Aaron at a tailgate party.  Aaron enjoyed the company of his old friends; he thought to ask Michael about his old friends and specifically, the young friend from five years ago.  Michael said that he had cut off contact with the old friend; the old friend had joined a gang.  Michael transferred schools to get away from several potentially toxic relationships.

Aaron realized that Michael had the wisdom and courage to do this because of the help and guidance he and BBBS were able to provide.  Michael is on a path that will get him the education necessary to do well in college.

Aaron concluded by telling us how rewarding his experience was and that for every negative he experienced, there were 100 positives!

The presentations of Dr. Knight and Aaron Fox were stimulating and informative.  They gave a close-up view of the power of BBBS and volunteers to really help in our community.

Many thanks to both of them for informing us of the need and how we can help.

Also, I thank the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber for putting on this event and for doing all they can to help make Lansing a better place to live and work!  

I’m really glad I attended.  Not only did I learn of Big Brothers Big Sisters and all they did in the community, but I renewed old acquaintances, made new ones and my friend J.T. made a valuable contact who might be able to help him market his Aerial Artwork!

 

 

 
 

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