NEENAH – Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin is partnering with the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative to launch “The Big Draft,” an annual volunteer recruitment campaign aimed at encouraging more people, particularly men, to become mentors, according to a community announcement.
The campaign is inspired by the NFL Draft and aims to recruit 75 mentors, or “Bigs,” in 75 days to help address the growing need for youth mentorship.
Today, one in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives. The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen as a result of perceived barriers of the time and experience needed to be a mentor.
The 2026 Big Draft campaign aims to recruit more volunteer mentors—especially men—to help over 130 local kids waiting for support in East Central Wisconsin.
The 2026 Big Draft campaign aims to recruit more volunteer mentors—especially men—to help over 130 local kids waiting for support in East Central Wisconsin.
The need is critical
The need for youth mentorship is particularly critical in Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet and Waupaca counties, where more than 130 kids are on the waiting list for a mentor, according to the announcement. More than 60% of those waiting are young males.
The campaign aims to shift perceptions of mentorship and redefine the everyday moments that can have a significant impact on the lives of young people.
“Our programs are focused on the youth we serve; however, mentors often benefit as much or more than their mentees,» said BBBS CEO Jaime Kriewaldt. «Being a mentor allows you to rediscover joy and playfulness — something we often forget about as adult life consumes us.
«Mentors don’t need to be heroes or professional athletes — they’re the everyday person you see in the mirror,» Kriewaldt added. «The bank teller, the office manager, the barista, the teacher, the mechanic. They’re everyday people, doing everyday tasks with a kid, creating a lifelong friendship and impact.”
‘Refer a Friend Contest’
To incentivize recruitment, Big Brothers Big Sisters is launching a Refer a Friend Contest.
Anyone who refers a friend or family member to become a mentor will be entered into a prize drawing for a $100 gift card and a mystery prize basket.
The contest is open to everyone, including non-mentors, and a referral entry is counted once an application and interview are completed.
The winner will be drawn on May 6.