Archival Research Paper
Case Analysis

Andrea
JR424
2/6/6


One of the most easily accessible and often overlooked forms of research is case studies. Although ideally one would conduct an experiment on how to execute a program or solve a problem, this is often not feasible and the study of past cases is the second best course of action. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) is a youth-mentoring program based in Indianapolis, IN. In order to continue to be a successful organization, BBBSCI needs more donations and more adult volunteers. They currently have 300 children on their waiting list for mentors, so this is a high priority. In order to best decide the course of action BBBSCI needs to research what other companies with this same need have done. This will allow them to see what methods and programs work as well as what to avoid.
The MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership is an example of a successful program. They not only run their own mentoring program through a program at Harvard College, they also facilitate and aid mentoring programs across the U.S. In order to create greater recognition for their programs as well as mentoring in general, they have created the Who Mentored You? Program, National Mentoring Month (January) as well as Thank Your Mentor Day (January 25). Public service announcements to create awareness for these events were recorded by a wide array of celebrities who have had mentors in their lives including: Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, John Glenn, Cal Ripken, Jr., Oprah Winfrey and others. They have also created a tie-in website. Some (most) of these celebrities are baby-boomers, which helps to reach people in that age group.
Another successful youth mentoring organization that has used name-recognition to its benefit is the Boys and Girls Club of America. However, they have chosen to associate themselves with successful companies rather than celebrities. On their website they list 37 different major national companies with which they have partnered. Not only does this provide positive associations with already established, trusted brands but it also provides access to the resources of the companies themselves. These resources can be many things, ranging from the companies’ products or services to the employees (who can give their time or even become mentors themselves). How better to reach responsible adults than by encouraging participation through their work?
YouthFriends, a nationally recognized school based mentoring program, takes the same strategy of partnering with companies and gives it a twist. Since the official mentoring activities of YouthFriends occur only on school grounds and during school hours, it is hard for companies to sponsor or hold events. However, all participants (both youth and mentors) are given Rewards and Recognition (R&R) Cards. These cards give holders special privileges and discounts at local businesses and events. These range from discounts for theatre tickets and free bowling games to four dollars off oil changes. Many encourage the development an unofficial mentor-student relationship outside of a school setting, and provide special recognition throughout the community for those involved.
Friends of the Children is also an at-risk youth-mentoring program. They deal with companies and need adults just like the previously described organizations but they do so in a different fashion. They do not send open solicitations for volunteer mentors, rather they hire professional mentors, or Friends, and form partnerships with existing mentor organizations. In this way, they can assure that each child is paired with the exact mentor to fit their needs. They get their message across by contacting and helping to develop promising and already successful organizations.
Finally, Youth Mentoring Connection is a mentoring program with many programs similar to those previously discussed – school site mentoring, youth center programs and life-skills seminars. However they offer one innovative mentor service aimed at recruiting adult mentors. This is the Work Site Mentoring Program. In this program, Youth Mentoring Connection brings youth to the mentors’ places of work. Doing so not only allows the at-risk youth to have an adult role model, but also allows them to get a taste of the workplace and various professions therein. It also allows the mentors to share something that is important to them with someone who is important to them and at the same time not have to take much time out of their busy days.
BBBSCI might benefit from adapting some of the methods used by the five aforementioned organizations. Perhaps they could enlist some adult celebrities or opinion leaders to be spokespeople. Perhaps BBBSCI could partner with local companies to hold events, recruit their workers, or offer rewards. They may even consider developing a new branch of their programs and create a job shadow mentor program. In order to do well BBBSCI does not necessarily have to copy step by step another organization. But to take strategies already proven successful by other companies and to adapt them into their own unique program could prevent years of trial and error and help them move toward their goal more quickly and efficiently.



Bibliography:
“Current Projects.” Friends of the Children. December 2005. Friends of the Children National. 6 Feb 2006.

“Our Partners.” The Official Site of Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 2006. Boys and Girls Clubs of America. 6 Feb 2006. .

“R&R Card Benefits on the Rise.” YouthFriends Greater Kansas City. 5 Feb 2006. YouthFriends. 6 Feb 2006. .

“What We Do.” Youth Mentoring Connection. 2003. Youth Mentoring Connection. 6 Feb 2006. .

“Who Mentored You.” Who Mentored You. 2005. President and Fellows of Harvard College. 6 February 2006. .