Philadelphia Eagle Rodney McLeod Teams Up With Big Brothers Big Sisters To Recruit Male Mentors
Rodney McLeod “Mentoring Is Brotherhood Challenge” to Recruit 100 Male Volunteer and Raise $5K to Support Youth Mentoring During National Volunteer Month
PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 4, 2017) — Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region (BBBS Independence) and Philadelphia Eagle Rodney McLeod today announced the official launch of the Rodney McLeod “Mentoring is Brotherhood Challenge.” The challenge is part of a month long campaign in April to bring awareness to National Volunteer Month, and recruit 100 male volunteers to mentor children facing adversity in Southeastern PA and Southern NJ. The challenge has also set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to support youth mentoring programs run by BBBS Independence.
BBBS Independence currently has more than 1,200 children signed up and waiting for mentors, with the majority being young African American and Hispanic boys. Rodney is working with the agency by challenging all men in Greater Philadelphia, especially men of color, to step up and volunteer. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentors and positive role models in my life,” says McLeod. “There are thousands of youth in Philadelphia and South Jersey facing significant challenges in today’s society. Most times, all it takes is a positive role model to help guide them through situations and expose them to experiences they never dreamed possible. I will do everything I can to help these kids.”
Big Brother Big Sisters has long had difficulty in recruiting mentors, particularly men. “I think there’s a misperception that mentoring is a time consuming process,” said Marcus Allen, CEO of BBBS Independence. “Our only requirement is that volunteer mentors (Bigs) meet with their mentees (Littles) 2-4 hours, 2-4 times per month. The time requirement is minimal, but the results are life-changing for youth in the program. We’re excited Rodney has decided to support our mission and hopeful that his status as an elite football player will attract the male demographic we’re looking for right now.”
The Challenge includes four “meet-and-greet” events where potential volunteers can meet Rodney McLeod in person and learn more about one-to-one mentoring. Senator Anthony Williams, a stalwart supporter of youth mentoring, will also be involved with the challenge. The following events and more information can be found at www.rm23challenge.org:
- SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH, NOON – 2:00 P.M.
Meet & Greet with Rodney & Male Volunteer Recruitment Event Modell’s at Philadelphia Mills, 1280 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, PA - SATURDAY, APRIL 15TH, 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Male Volunteer Recruitment Event w/ Senator Anthony Williams Sharon Hill Firehouse, 1531 Hook Rd., Sharon Hill, PA Featuring appearances by Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders & Swoop - FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST, 8:00 – 10:00 A.M.
Male Volunteer Recruitment Event Outside FOX29 Studios, 330 Market St., Philadelphia, PA Live on-air interview with Rodney McLeod, Senator Anthony Williams, & BBBS CEO Marcus Allen at 7:45 a.m. - SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH, NOON – 2:00 P.M.
Male Volunteer Recruitment Event Modell’s, 2465 S. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA
