Senate Resolution 596
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Hatchett of the 50th, Wicks of the 34th, Watson of the 11th,
Echols of the 49th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Georgia and commending their work
in supporting students and families across the state of Georgia; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Georgia are dedicated to helping
young people realize their full potential through positive, sustained mentor relationships that
support academic success, strengthen families, and build safer, more connected communities;
and
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta has long served youth and families
throughout the metropolitan region, operating 1:1 mentoring programs that pair young people
with caring adult role models who provide long-term guidance, stability and encouragement;
and
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta also serves students through its
workplace mentoring program, that transports students from high schools to corporate
partners’ campuses, and the innovative Level Up school-based program, where mentors are
embedded throughout the school day for the entire school year; and
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley, in Columbus, likewise
delivers high-quality mentoring programs that support student engagement, foster
confidence, and strengthen academic and social outcomes for children and families
throughout the Columbus area; and
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains has a profound
impact on the educational system and the students of Whitfield and Murray County, where
mentors serve as role models and advocates helping students reconnect to their schools,
overcome barriers to achievement, and build essential life skills; and
WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia, in Macon, further extends this
critical work throughout central Georgia, providing relationship-centered programming that
supports school attendance, family stability, and long-term academic success for youth in
Laurens, Peach, Wilkinson and Baldwin counties; and
WHEREAS, chronic absenteeism poses a significant threat to student learning, graduation
rates, and long-term economic opportunity; the Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies’ school-
based and community-based programs have produced measurable improvements in student
attendance, academic performance, and sense of belonging; and
WHEREAS, additionally, the findings from a longitudinal economic study showed that the
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentees, known as Littles, grow up to earn 15 percent more over
their lifetime than their peers and that being a Little closes 2/3 of the economic gap,
demonstrating that mentorship is a powerful tool for strengthening Georgia's workforce
pipeline and promoting lifelong success; and
WHEREAS, together, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Chattahoochee Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains, and
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia serve as vital partners in ensuring that
children across Georgia have access to caring adult mentors and evidence-based support that
helps them thrive.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Georgia for their leadership in supporting
youth, families, and schools across the state; commend the Level Up program for its proven
impact in reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening student success in Georgia's
schools; acknowledge the essential role of mentorship in promoting academic achievement,
family stability, and long-term community well-being; and support the continued expansion
of this mentorship-based program that increases attendance, improves engagement, and
builds brighter futures for children across the State of Georgia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattahoochee Valley, Big Brothers Big
Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of
Georgia.