Recently, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has created a new program. In response to the growing conflict between civilians and police, the organization has begun a program called "Bigs in Blue".
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that was established to bond children with a good role model. They select children who face adversity and pair them with a Big brother or sister based on different criteria like location and personality. Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters is active in about 330 communities and is really making a difference in children's lives.
And that is exactly what they are doing by creating this new program. "Bigs in Blue" pairs children who are facing adversity with a police officer, who becomes their Big. The goal of forming this Big / Little relationship is to create bonds between youth and police.
In many areas, distrust and disrespect of law enforcement has become common. Many children learn from a young age not to trust police and not to obey them. These children see police as the enemy, rather than an ally. This breeds hatred and builds a violent culture. It leaves children feeling as is they cannot trust those who are supposed to be protecting them, which leads to them feeling like they are unable to trust anyone.
Our society's view of law enforcement is something that needs to be changed. And that's exactly what "Bigs in Blue" is striving to do. By forging these Big and Little bonds, they are able to instill a feeling a trust into the children's minds. These children will be able to learn that police are not the enemy. They will be able to see that they do have people they can trust to keep them safe.
It is important to show our youth that they don't have to be afraid or angry. It is important that they grow up respecting our law enforcement. It is important that we teach them that violence is not the answer and there are good people in the world.
Currently, "Bigs in Blue" is in place in 12 cities and, as they continue to grow, they are looking to add the program in areas like Dallas, L.A., Baltimore, Tampa, and many more.
Programs like this are exactly what our country needs in such horrible times. Change is pivotal if we want our society to be able to strive. And if you ask me, anything can help.
"The smallest thing can make all the difference. Love is alive, don't you listen to them when they say 'you're just a fool to believe you can change the world'..." - Carrie Underwood
For more information on the "Bigs in Blue" program, you can visit: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.9458477...
