”Add a Little” Campaign Aims to Encourage More Men to Add a Little Brother and Make a Big Impact

Boston, MA – Wednesday, October 15, 2014 – According to a new Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay survey, nearly two-thirds (65%) of men would rather be able to look back and say they’ve positively impacted the lives of others over getting a big promotion at work (4%) or having fun with their friends on weekends (17%). And when men think back to the activities they did growing up with someone who made a positive impact on their lives, it was the little things that made the biggest impression – most men remember the excitement of learning new things (64%) and the fun of just hanging out and spending time together (71%).

“We know that guys want to do something meaningful with their lives, but sometimes they don’t know where to start,” said Wendy Foster, Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. “Through our new ‘Add a Little’ campaign, we’re letting them know that doing something important can be incredibly simple.”

Adding a Little Brother to a guy’s life only takes a couple hours a couple times a month. It is as easy as doing the simple activities guys already like to do, like playing catch at the park or grabbing a bite from a food truck. More than that, it can be a chance to share a little bit of their lives and skills with a kid who’s eager for new experiences. With just a one-year commitment, those games of catch and afternoon outings can make a huge impact. According to a 2009 study of alumni Littles conducted by Harris Interactive, Boys matched with a Big Brother reported doing better in school (77%), learned right from wrong from their Big Brother (76%), and said having their Big Brother helped them make better choices in life (90%). They were also less likely than their peers to do drugs (46%), start drinking (52%) or skip school (52%).

To show the big impact the small moments can have on a child, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay looked to real Big and Little Brothers. The new “Add a Little” ad campaign, designed to engage more men in mentoring, features six real Big-Little matches doing some of their favorite activities in the Greater Boston area, from riding the T to bowling at Kings to visiting the Museum of Science. The day was also captured for the new “Add a Little” video:
To learn more about the “Add a Little” campaign or to take the first step to becoming a Big Brother, visit AddaLittle.org. Follow the social conversation by using #AddaLittle.

Survey Methodology
This nationwide survey was conducted online by KRC Research on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. Interviews were conducted between September 22-24, 2014 among 1,013 adults, ages 18 and older. The data were weighted by age, gender, geographic region, race and education to accurately represent the U.S. population.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of 2,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is working to ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Massachusetts Bay by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities. For more information about this worthwhile cause and its important mission, visit bbbsmb.staging.wpengine.com.

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Press Contact:
Carina Zito
For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay
617-520-7062
czito@webershandwick.com