Step Up. Show Up.

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Four youth-serving organizations in Northeast Wisconsin have announced a regional volunteer recruitment campaign called “Step Up. Show Up.”

The campaign will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Brown County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Fox Cities.

Supported by an investment from the J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc., this initiative strives to increase participation in local youth mentoring and advocacy programs.

“Demand for their services continues to grow and recruiting volunteers has become increasingly difficult, leading to long waitlists,” said Monica Stage, executive director of the J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. “We quickly realized the problem is not a lack of caring adults in our community. Instead, the problem is a lack of awareness, understanding and visibility. Thousands of potential volunteers exist across Northeast Wisconsin, but many don’t know what opportunities are offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters and Court Appointed Special Advocates.”

As need in Northeast Wisconsin continues to rise, it has become increasingly difficult for the organizations to recruit mentors and advocates, resulting in lengthy waitlists. “Step Up. Show Up.” is a coordinated response to elevate volunteerism at all four nonprofits.

“Step Up. Show Up. is not about promoting a single non-profit. It’s about inspiring a region-wide commitment to youth,” said Jaime Kriewaldt, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin. “It calls on Northeast Wisconsin residents to take one meaningful step forward and consistently show up in the lives of young people who can benefit from extra encouragement, guidance and support.”

“We know it only takes one caring adult to change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” Stage said. “By helping more volunteers discover opportunities to mentor and advocate for our youth, the Foundation hopes to strengthen families, improve outcomes for children and build a more connected community for years to come.”

“Step Up. Show Up.” is designed to build awareness around the critical need for volunteers, and to connect residents with opportunities that match their interests, schedules and desire to make a difference.

“The question we face today is not whether youth need us. The question is whether we’re willing to answer the call…” said Monica McClure, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin. “We have so many littles waiting to be matched with someone who will offer them friendship, encouragement and guidance. These young people are yearning to build relationships. They want to learn and grow, try new things and gain confidence with a trusted adult by their side… For every child waiting, there is an opportunity for an adult to step up and show up.”

“‘Step Up.’ is the invitation to act — raise your hand, decide that you can donate your time to make a difference. ‘Show Up.’ is the commitment — be present, build trust and just be there month after month, year after year,” Kriewaldt said. “And remember, showing up can take many forms. It’s a big who meets with their little each month, an advocate who speaks for a child in court, an employer who encourages volunteerism, a donor who ensures our services can continue to grow.”

“We are not asking everyone to do the same thing. We’re asking everyone to do something. Become a big. Become a CASA advocate. Encourage a friend or colleague to get involved. Support our programs through philanthropy. Share a message advocating for children,” said Rochelle Blindauer, board member for CASA of the Fox Cities. “The opportunity is different for each person, but the challenge is the same — to step up and show up — because when a child has a caring adult who consistently believes in them, everything can change.”

“Research shows that young people who have trusted, caring adults in their life experience a 20% reduction in depression symptoms and a 16% improvement in emotional regulation,” said Michelle Pierquet-Hohner, CASA of Brown County executive director. “These children attend school more regularly. They perform better academically. They exhibit fewer behavioral problems, such as using alcohol or illegal drugs and getting into trouble with the law. That’s why the work we do at Court Appointed Special Advocates and Big Brothers Big Sisters is so important. With the help of our volunteers, we walk alongside young people as they develop strong relationships, overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.”