HR1098: HR1098 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies; work in supporting students and families across the state of Georgia; recognize

26 LC 129 0603 House Resolution 1098 By: Representatives Glaize of the 67 th, Rice of the 139th, Erwin of the 32nd, Dubnik of the 29th, Wade of the 9th, 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 H. R. 1098 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0603 WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley likewise delivers high-15 quality mentoring programs that support student engagement, fos ter confidence, and16 strengthen academic and social outcomes for children and families throughout the Columbus17 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 H. R. 1098 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0603 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that41 the members of this body recognize Big Brothers Big Sisters age ncies across Georgia for42 their leadership in supporting youth, families, and schools acr oss the state, commend the43 Level Up program for its proven impact in reducing chronic absenteeism and strengthening44 student success in Georgia's schools, acknowledge the essential role of mentorship in45 promoting academic achievement, family stability, and long-term community well-being, and46 support the continued expansion of this mentorship-based program that increases attendance,47 improves engagement, and builds brighter futures for children across the State of Georgia. 48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized49 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to Big50 Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattahoochee Valley, Big51 Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwest Georgia Mountains, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of52 the Heart of Georgia.53 H. R. 1098 - 3 -