SR596: SR596 Big Brothers Big Sisters Agencies across Georgia; recognize

26 LC 129 0594 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 work1 in supporting students and families across the state of Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Georgia are d edicated to helping3 young people realize their full potential through positive, sustained mentor relationships that4 support academic success, strengthen families, and build safer, more connected communities;5 and6 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta has long served youth and families7 throughout the metropolitan region, operating 1:1 mentoring programs that pair young people8 with caring adult role models who provide long-term guidance, stability and encouragement;9 and 10 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta also serves students through its11 workplace mentoring program, that transports students from high schools to corporate12 partners’ campuses, and the innovative Level Up school-based program, where mentors are13 embedded throughout the school day for the entire school year; and14 S. R. 596 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0594 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley, in Columbus, likewise15 delivers high-quality mentoring programs that support student e ngagement, foster16 confidence, and strengthen academic and social outcomes for chi ldren and families17 throughout the Columbus area; and18 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains has a profound19 impact on the educational system and the students of Whitfield and Murray County, where20 mentors serve as role models and advocates helping students rec onnect to their schools,21 overcome barriers to achievement, and build essential life skills; and22 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia, in Macon, further extends this23 critical work throughout central Georgia, providing relationship-centered programming that24 supports school attendance, family stability, and long-term aca demic success for youth in25 Laurens, Peach, Wilkinson and Baldwin counties; and26 WHEREAS, chronic absenteeism poses a significant threat to student learning, graduation27 rates, and long-term economic opportunity; the Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies’ school-28 based and community-based programs have produced measurable improvements in student29 attendance, academic performance, and sense of belonging; and30 WHEREAS, additionally, the findings from a longitudinal economic study showed that the31 Big Brothers Big Sisters mentees, known as Littles, grow up to earn 15 percent more over32 their lifetime than their peers and that being a Little closes 2/3 of the economic gap,33 demonstrating that mentorship is a powerful tool for strengthen ing Georgia's workforce34 pipeline and promoting lifelong success; and35 S. R. 596 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0594 WHEREAS, together, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters36 of Chattahoochee Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains, and37 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia serve as vital partners in ensuring that38 children across Georgia have access to caring adult mentors and evidence-based support that39 helps them thrive.40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body41 recognize Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Georgia for their leadership in supporting42 youth, families, and schools across the state; commend the Level Up program for its proven43 impact in reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening studen t success in Georgia's44 schools; acknowledge the essential role of mentorship in promoting academic achievement,45 family stability, and long-term community well-being; and support the continued expansion46 of this mentorship-based program that increases attendance, imp roves engagement, and47 builds brighter futures for children across the State of Georgia. 48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed49 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Big Brothers Big50 Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattahoochee Valley, Big Brothers Big51 Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains, and Big Brothers Bi g Sisters of the Heart of52 Georgia.53 S. R. 596 - 3 -