May Big Sister Scene

Talking to Your Little Sister About Gender Equality

Over the last 50 years, women have made great strides for equal rights, but inequality still exists in many situations.  For example, women today earn, on average, just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns, which adds up to approximately $11,000 per year (Hello Ladies News).  Additionally, in 2009 only 24 percent of CEOs in the US were women and they earned 74.5% as much as male CEOs (International Labour Organization) Women are also underrepresented in politics and make up only 17% of Congress (WCF Foundation). Moreover, 85% of survivors of Intimate Partner Violence are women (AllState Foundation).

For these reasons, and many more, it is important to raise a generation of girls and boys that  want to work towards gender equality.  As a Big Sister, you can play a big role in helping your Little Sister start thinking about gender equality  regardless of her age.  Here are some suggestions:

• Education about the struggle that women have faced in the past and still face today.  One match activity that could help learn more about women’s history is to take a self-guided tour on the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail.  On their website, they have guides for tours in neighborhoods all over Boston.  They also have events and exhibits on women’s history.

• Talk to women from different generations about what it means to be a feminist and what the word means to them.  You can also discuss with them what changes they have seen for women over the years.

• Read a book together.  If your Little Sister is younger, there are several books of fairy tales written from a feminist perspective.  One example is Feminist Fairy Tales by Barbara G Walker.  If your Little Sister if older, read a book that discusses being a feminist as a young woman.  One example is A Little F’ed Up: Why Feminism is Not a Dirty Word by Julie Zeilinger.

• Watch MissRepresentation or find a screening of the movie.  For more information, follow them on Facebook or check out their website.

• When watching TV or a movie, discuss the ways that women are portrayed.  Are they portrayed with positive characteristics – such as being strong, confident and smart?  Or are they portrayed with negative characteristics – such as being manipulative, shallow, and sex objects?  You can also talk about music that your Little Sister may listen to.  The important thing to point out is that your Little Sister does not have to stop watching shows that portray women in a negative way; however, it is important for her to develop media literacy to critique these portrayals.

• Identify and discuss sheroes, which are female heroes.  A shero can be someone that you know personal or a female role model that you look up to.  You can start the discussion with sheroes you are already familiar with – such as Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton, or Beyoncé.  You can also look up other sheroes that you are not familiar with – such as Benazir Bhutto, Jane Goodall, or Melnea Cass.

Pay it Forward – Do you have women in your life who would make great Big Sisters?

Spread the message with the click of a button! If you are not already connected to Big Sister through Facebook please “Like” us or follow us on Twitter. There are a lot of great resources and posts that you can share.

Begin or continue the conversation! Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about the need for more women to inspire a girl in their community. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.

Share your story! Write about your experience as a Big Sister, your favorite match activity with your Little Sister, or how you supported a friend to become a Big Sister and send them to Nikki White at nwhite@bigsister.org.

Upcoming Big Sister Events

Poetry & Photography Workshop

Saturday, June 1, 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn how to put your thoughts on paper through poetry or a short story with your Little Sister. Bring in 3-5 favorite photos for inspiration! Matches will have an opportunity to share what they’ve written at the end of class. To RSVP contact Jessica Mendenhall at jmendenhall@bigsister.org.

Real Choices, Strong Voices

Saturday, May 18

What better way to show your Little Sister how to reach a goal than with a fun-filled scavenger hunt around downtown Boston! 7-10 year-olds will learn skills to reach for their dreams during Big Sister’s Real Choices Strong Voices – Dream Big! workshop.

Please contact Holly Armstrong at harmstrong@bigsister.org to reserve your spot. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!

Big Sister Stands for Boston

Blog Post by: Nikki White

Two weeks ago we asked Big and Little Sisters to take a picture with a sign “Big Sister Stands for Boston.” We shared them on Facebook to highlight the positive mentoring experiences they have every day  and to show that they are a part of the Big Sister community. Below are some of the pictures matches sent to us as well as thank you notes Little Sisters wrote to the Boston Police Department, First Responders, and hospital staff.

Little Sister Carolina, 12, of Jamaica Plain and Big Sister Jillian Flood love Boston because there’s always something going on. They especially enjoyed going to the Boston ‘Ahts’ Festival in Christopher Columbus Park last year.

Little Sister Liz, 11, of West Roxbury and Big Sister Jacqueline Redmond’s favorite thing to do in Boston is to see shows such as the Boston Ballet.

Little Sister Azhane, 14, of Roxbury and Big Sister Julie D’Alessandro’s favorite thing to do together in Boston is to walk around and “girl talk”. They also love ‘Real Choices Strong Voices’ workshops through Big Sisters.

Little Sister Fior, 11, of the South End and Big Sister Margo Hudson’s favorite thing to do is to bake crazy fun cakes even when there is no particular reason to celebrate.

Little Sister Leanne, 11, of Charlestown and Big Sister Emily Medford’s favorite thing to do in Boston is to walk through the public garden and have picnics.

At the Big Sister Appreciation Breakfast on April 27, Big and Little Sisters shared their appreciation to the Boston Police Department, all First Responders, and hospital staff.

April Big Sister Scene

Exploring Your Little Sister’s Neighborhood

Written by Erica Brien, Enrollment and Matching Specialist

Living in the Greater Boston area, Big and Little Sisters have the opportunity to take advantage of all that makes the City unique: the cobble stoned streets, street performers in Faneuil hall, festivals with live music in the summer, the Esplanade, and an array of cuisine, museums, theatres, art, and more. When planning your match visits, however, it is important to remember that the history, festivals and events that make Boston unique are not limited to downtown. In fact, there are many areas of the City that you and your Little Sister can explore, many of which may be in your Little Sister’s own backyard.

At Big Sister Association, we believe in a strengths-based approach to mentoring, meaning that we focus on the strengths of our Little Sisters and the positive aspects of their lives. As a Big Sister, you have the opportunity to celebrate these strengths with your Little Sister. You can empower your Little Sister to see the positive aspects of her life, build off them, and reach her full potential. An important aspect of this strengths-based approach is encouraging your Little Sister to feel connected to her community, and to take pride in where she lives.

Most of our Big and Little Sisters live in different neighborhoods.  Fifty-eight percent of our Little Sisters live in Dorchester, Roxbury, East Boston and Mattapan, compared to only 21% of our Big Sisters. Unfortunately, through the media, these communities receive unsparing negative attention that often overshadows the positive features they have to offer the Greater Boston community. These are neighborhoods rich in history and culture, but are oftentimes overlooked when appreciating Boston’s beauty and unique past.

As the spring and summer months approach, you have the opportunity to look into the community events, fun festivals and attractions in your Little Sister’s neighborhood. Read about the history of your Little Sister’s community and share it with her. Point out the historical sights and buildings as you walk or drive through her area.

Here are just a few ideas to start:

• Dorchester contains the two oldest houses in Boston: the Blake House and the Pierce House. Also, if your Little Sister lives in the Dorchester area, visit Mother’s Rest Park at Four Corners, or go see a play at the Strand Theatre in Upham’s Corner.
• East Boston’s waterfront allowed it to become the center for shipbuilding, and the arrival point for many Boston immigrants in the 1800’s. Today, East Boston offers a variety of authentic cuisine from the many cultures that call it home: Colombian, Peruvian, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, and more. You could also check out Piers Park in East Boston with your Little Sister, walk along the water front, and enjoy the view of Downtown Boston from across the harbor.
• Hyde Park, during the civil war, was home to the Union Army’s largest training ground, preparing over 26,000 Massachusetts soldiers. If your Little Sister enjoys reading, take her to the Boston Public Library Hyde Park branch. The new Menino Wing won the A.I.A Design Excellence Award.
• In May, take your Little Sister to the Wake up the Earth festival in the Southwest Corridor Park in Jamaica Plain (JP). JP is also home to three of the Emerald Necklace Parks (Jamaica Pond, the Arnold Arboretum and Franklin Park), as well as to the Footlight Club, the oldest community theatre in the United States.

For more information on your Little Sister’s neighborhood and events going on in her area, visit cityofboston.gov. There you can find Main Street Brochures that include popular restaurants and sites to see in each Boston neighborhood, along with complete written histories. Your Match Support Specialist is another excellent resource for creative, fun ways to explore your Little Sister’s community.

Upcoming Big Sister Events

A Day in the Life of a College Student

Simmons College, Boston

Saturday, April 13

1:00pm-4:00pm

Learn from current Simmons College Students about their experiences attending college, hear about the application and financial aid processes, and visit a stimulation lab that nursing students use! This event is appropriate for Little Sisters in Grades 9 through 12 or Little Sisters who are past grade 12 are interested in attending college. This event will be focused on the health care field.

Appreciation Breakfast

Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge

Saturday, April 27

10:00am-12:00pm

You will walk the red carpet, have the opportunity to receive one of five “Big Awards”, and see a live dance performance by              The Braintree Ballet!

RSVP to Jennifer Perrone at jperrone@bigsister.org or (617) 236-8366.

Real Choices, Strong Voices

For more information on the next Real Choices, Strong Voices workshop, email Margot Phelps at mphelps@bigsister.org.

Be sure to “like” our Facebook page to hear about ticket opportunities for you and your Little Sister. Past ticket opportunities include Patriots tickets, Red Sox tickets, museum tickets, and plays.

Bright Young Girls or “Bright Young Things”?

Guest Post by Marketing Intern, Molly Decker

At Big Sister, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date about gender-specific marketing; marketing strategies could not be more gender-specific than those of Victoria’s Secret: a corporation famous for their bras and underwear, and most recently for the popularization of their PINK line. PINK is Victoria’s Secret’s line for their younger 15-22 year-old demographic. However, Victoria’s Secret has gone younger.  Victoria’s Secret has recently come out with a line called “Bright Young Things,” otherwise known as PINK’s Spring Break collection. Bright Young Things features, among other things, underpants that have “Wild”, “Call Me”, “Dare You”, and “Feeling Lucky” printed on the back (or the front, in cases of the thong). Not only are they covered with sexualized phrases, they are cut in familiar Victoria’s secret styles of “cheeky hipster,” “lace trim thong,” and “The Date Panty.”

When a tween or teen girl sees her peers wearing PINK merchandise, few things will make her want it more than getting a “no” paired with a “because I said so” from her parents and mentors. This is why it is not enough to ask that Victoria’s Secret simply eliminate the collection. PINK will still be there. This is why it is not enough to tweet at Victoria’s Secret that this collection is unacceptable and leave it at that. The fact is, no matter how hard we try, young girls will continue to see these sexualized media messages, through other advertisements.

We need to educate these young girls.

Maybe they are daughters. Maybe siblings. Maybe they are our Little Sisters. Regardless, they need to know that when their parents, teachers, Big Sisters, and other mentors tell them to think critically about the messages on the backs of these underpants, it is not because we do not want them to be popular, or because we do not want them to succeed. On the contrary, we want them to succeed more than they know. We want them to succeed in finding relationships with people who will hear “call me” after a conversation about mutual likes and common goals, not see it on the front of their thongs. We want them to know that while Victoria’s Secret may see them as Bright Young Things, we see them as Bright Young Girls, and that alone makes a difference.

So the next time a young girl in your life asks why you think she shouldn’t choose “Wild” underwear, talk to her about why she feels she needs them. Talk to her about the social and media pressure she may be feeling. Encourage her to come to terms with her body and what she wants to do with it on her own terms, not her friends’ terms, or Victoria’s Secret’s terms. Teach her that success is not about what she wears, but what she knows and where she goes with that knowledge.

What are your feelings about Victoria’s Secret’s marketing campaign? How do you respond to the overwhelming pressure of the media? Do you have any advice for Big Sisters who don’t know how to begin that conversation? Leave a comment below.

Spotlight: Big Sister of the Year, Ana Leon

Ana and Sally have been matched for more than six years. Ana was recently chosen as Massachusetts Big Sister of the Year and will now be considered for the title of National Big Sister of the Year.

Guest Post by Marketing Intern, Molly Decker

Q: What is your favorite part about being a Big Sister?

A: Sally always makes me laugh, whether through a story or if we fall on our butts while ice skating. There is never a dull moment when we are together.

Q: What is one of your favorite activities to do with your Little Sister and what makes it so memorable?

A: My favorite activity is baking with Sally. We have many positive results but sometimes we have a burnt product. I remember our first baking experience. We baked her birthday cake in a toaster oven. It was such a funny idea, but we did a great job! Since then, we’ve become quite creative with science and bake wonderful creations – our favorite is chocolate chip cookies with extra chocolate chips.

Q: What would you say to women who are on the fence about applying to become a Big Sister?

A: If you like the outdoors, or painting, or window shopping, or cooking, or going to the movies, being a Big Sister is for you. Think of the female mentors you have now or had growing up. Not everyone is fortunate to have the same experience, but you can be the woman to stand up and be a mentor to a younger girl. I have seen tremendous growth in Sally, from her confidence in speaking to her ability to make her dreams happen for herself – including being accepted into college.

Q: When you or your Little Sister experience tough times, how do you show support for each other?

A: We love to have conversations over a good meal or dessert. We give each other time to vent, or discuss our troubles, and by the end of the meal we have a better perspective of what we need to do to move forward.

Q: What is something you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a Big Sister?

A: I’ve learned that I can help instill confidence in someone. It does take energy, but knowing that a young person takes on more challenges because of my encouragement is very powerful to me.

March Big Sister Scene

Planning for the Future

Written by Kristen Smith, Impact Services Coordinator

How does your Little Sister envision her future? Has she talked about the goals she has for herself? As her Big Sister, you may be wondering how you can help your Little Sister select and achieve her plans for the future. First, keep in mind that there are many paths to success. You may need to widen your ideas about career and life decisions to include trade schools, culinary schools, community colleges, parenting, among many others. It is important to take the lead from your Little Sister about how she envisions her future. If she already has an idea of what she would like to do for a career, help her break it down so that she understands all the steps she needs to take to get from where she is now to where she wants to be in the future. If she is unsure of a future career, help her explore her interests through volunteering, a job, or internships. This will help her get experience in a specific field and decide if it is an area that she would like to pursue.

To help her break down her goal into obtainable steps, it is helpful to start by discussing goal setting. Whether it is a long term goal – like her future career – or a short term goal – like wanting to make the basketball team – it is important to know how to set and achieve a goal. One helpful tool is to ensure tyou are setting goals that follow the S.M.A.R.T acronym: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. If you and your Little Sister are interested in exploring these topics, I encourage you to attend Dream Big! a Real Choices, Strong Voices workshop. This workshop will discuss how to create S.M.A.R.T. goals and how Big Sisters can support and encourage their Little Sisters in achieving their goals. You can contact your Match Support Specialist to find out when the workshop for your Little Sister’s age range is being held. Additionally, here are some tips and items to keep in mind when discussing setting goals with your Little Sister.

• Let your Little Sister take the lead around discussing her future plans. If she expresses an interest in talking about her goals, try to find fun ways to expose her to her options. For example, getting lunch or playing Frisbee on a college campus, or showing your Little Sister your office space.   These are less overwhelming than taking a college tour or bringing her to work with you for a full day.
• Help her think through the steps she needs to take to reach her goals. For instance, if she wants to be a nurse, she’ll need to think about what training she’ll need to be certified. If you don’t know, look it up! This is a great activity to do together.
• You can sharpen your Little Sister’s decision making skills by asking questions not giving answers when she comes to you with a problem. For instance, if your Little Sister asks you if she should run for student council, ask her questions to help her think through the pros and cons so she comes to a decision that works for her.
• Expose her to new things and encourage her interests and skills. Using positive reinforcement and telling your Little Sister when you notice she is good at something is a wonderful way to help her see her potential. Let her know if there are career options that match her interests. For instance, if your Little Sister loves children, ask her if she has considered working in a daycare setting or teaching?
• Share your own experiences and how you made the choices you made. Particularly make note of the unexpected obstacles that you faced and how you navigated those challenges.
• Offer a range of perspective – For example, “Some people think it’s really important to go to college right away, which is why I did, because of x, y, z, but other people think it’s great to work and save money after you graduate from high school, while other people think it’s important to focus on doing volunteer work. What do you think?”
• Encourage your Little Sister to talk with her caregivers about what she wants her future to be. Suggest that she ask her family about how they reached their own goals.

Talk to your Match Support Specialist if you need more specific help or additional resources.

Upcoming Big Sister Events

Annual Fashion Show

Tuesday, March 19, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Don’t miss your chance to see Red Sox’s Jason Varitek and Patriot’s Zoltan Mesko walk down the runway!

Get your discounted tickets here.

A Day in the Life of a College Student

Saturday, April 13, 1:00pm-3:00pm

This is for Little Sisters age 14+. Learn about the college experience first hand from Simmons College students. You will receive a tour of the college, learn about the application process, see a dorm room, and more! Email Jen Perrone at jperrone@bigsister.org to reserve your spot.

Real Choices, Strong Voices

For more information on the next Real Choices, Strong Voices workshop, email Margot Phelps at mphelps@bigsister.org.

Be sure to “like” our Facebook page to hear about ticket opportunities for you and your Little Sister. Past ticket opportunities include Patriots tickets, Red Sox tickets, museum tickets, and plays.

Spotlight: Big Sister of the Year, Caroline Kohler

Big Sister Caroline Kohler has been matched with her Little Sister Nadege for over a year through the Boston College/Franklin Field Program. Caroline recently accepted the Big Sister of the Year award. Pictured above are Caroline and Nadege at Boston College during one of their weekly visits.

Guest Post by Marketing Intern, Molly Decker

Q: Initially, what made you want to get involved with Big Sister?

A: I was looking for a way to get involved in an organization I really cared about on campus. I had looked at a couple of different organizations, but none of them really seemed to emphasize service through the development of strong relationships. When I came across Big Sister and learned I would be able to build and develop a relationship with a girl within the context of such an amazing, empowering institution I was ecstatic and immediately jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

Q: What is the most rewarding part about being a Big Sister?

A: The most rewarding part about being a Big Sister is really watching the relationship that I  have with Nadege grow and develop with each passing week. While I see myself as Nadege’s mentor, I first and foremost see myself as her friend. We share our struggles, hopes, and dreams with each other and constantly encourage one another to do our very best. Having only known each other for a year and a half, the mutual respect and admiration that we have for each other is astounding, and I consider myself so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful relationship.

Q: What is something you’ve learned about yourself or about the world since becoming a Big Sister?

A: I have learned that “sister” means so many more things than simply someone you are related to and the role of a sister does not have to be filled by a biological relation. “Sister” means mentor, confidant, teacher, student, listener, helper, and friend.

Q: Who were some of your female role models growing up? What made them such positive role models for you?

A: My main female role model growing up is my grandma. She is an amazing person. An immigrant from Ireland, she came to America by herself at 18. She has taught me what it means to be a strong, independent, and pragmatic woman, and I could not thank her enough for that. She is the strongest, most resilient woman I know. I look at her and am so proud and in awe of her spirit.

Q: What is something your Little Sister has taught you since you’ve been matched?

A: Nadege has taught me what it is like to be a kid again. Something I noticed near the end of my freshman year was that often times I would get so wrapped up in exams, papers, commitments, and meaningless drama that I forgot what it was like to splash around in the pool or play Monopoly for hours or just hang out and paint nails. Over the last year and a half with Nadege, I have learned once again that sometimes it is not about how stressful the week before was or decisions looming on the horizon. Sometimes the only thing that matters is the good company you are in and who owns Park Place.

Closing Out Dating Violence Awareness Month – The UNC Landen Gambill Story

Post by Enrollment and Matching Specialist, Erica Brien

Here is the story:

In the spring of 2012, University of North Carolina (UNC) sophomore Landen Gambill stood in front of a special University Hearings Board to testify against her ex-boyfriend, telling the court that he had abused her – emotionally, physically and sexually – over an extended period of time. During the hearing, instead of being treated as a victim of assault, Gambill was blamed for the wrongdoings that she endured, and after speaking out against the way UNC handled her case, Gambill has been threatened with expulsion. Unfortunately, public denunciation of Gambill’s claims does not end with the University’s threats. An Op-Ed published in the Digital Journal asked, in reference to Gambill, why every “alleged victim” of sexual abuse or “indecent assault” should be lauded as a survivor, elaborating to say that Gambill was not violently attacked in an alleyway by a complete stranger, and, therefore, should not be considered a survivor. The opinion piece also stated that because Gambill was not a housewife tied down with three kids and dependent on her husband for financial support, nothing was preventing her from leaving her abuser. Sadly, however, the piece never decries her ex-boyfriend’s behavior.

Here is the reality:

• In 2006, an estimated 673,000 (11.5%) of nearly 6 million women attending American colleges were raped, and only 12% of those rapes were reported to law enforcement (National Center for Victims of Crime; research funded by U.S. Department of Justice).
• Females ages 16-24 are three times more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group (U.S. Department of Justice report on dating violence released in 2001).
• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year, and one in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence (loveisrespect.org).
• There are many reasons for victims to continue in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, including, but not limited to, conflicting emotions, such as fear, embarrassment, or love; feeling pressured, socially or culturally to continue within a relationship; distrusting authority; low self-esteem; immigration status and fear of deportation; reliance on an abusive partner, etc. In addition, on average, it takes a person seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship before being able to successfully do so (loveisrespect.org).

If, as a society, we hope to take further steps towards equality, statements indicating that a person must be violently attacked by an unknown stranger in order to be considered a victim of abuse must be challenged. We must remind people that abuse can take many forms, that Gambill is not alone; she is one of hundreds of thousands of men and women who have been emotionally, physically and mentally affected by what, to them, felt abusive. And who has the right to define abuse or rape other than the people who have experienced it?

As February’s Dating Violence Awareness month comes to a close, it’s time that we, men and women, start asking ourselves why there are so many victims of dating violence.

• Is the high occurrence of dating violence reflective on our own society as a whole?
• Does it have anything to do with the messages we send to our children?
• Is it fair that many young boys are told not to cry, that, in order to be masculine, they must be tough and void of emotion?
• Is it fair to interrogate women like Gambill to the point of self-blame, questioning their emotional stability, and forcing them to relive traumatic experiences, instead of focusing on the deeper, societal issue that Gambill’s abuse represents?

Spotlight: Big Sister of the Year, Lisa Ewing

Lisa Ewing was honored as Big Sister of the Year in our Big For a Day program. Big For a Day (BFAD) is a program where women are matched with a girl on our wait list for a one-time Big Sister activity such as bowling, a dance class, a martial arts workshop, or a trip to the Aquarium. Big For a Day activities occur once a month on a Saturday. You can volunteer as little as twice a year or as often as once a month.

Guest Post by Marketing Intern, Molly Decker

Initially, what made you want to get involved with Big Sister?

I got involved in a program for mentoring middle school students for their science projects, in preparation for the local and state science fairs.  I enjoyed the program and began thinking I could do more.  I was working full time and going to school at night, so I wasn’t sure if I would have the time to be involved.  Then l learned about the Big For a Day program, and it seemed like a great fit.

How do you approach making connections with the new Little Sisters you get paired with at each event?

There’s often a lot of activities at the events, so if there are multiple games or arts and crafts projects, I just ask my Little Sister where they want to start.  If they’re still holding back a bit, I’ll  suggest we start at a particular activity and go from there.  I’m usually pretty excited to be doing any activity, and they usually pick up on my excitement.

What’s a favorite activity you’ve done with Big Sister and what makes it so memorable?

That’s hard to say – Big Sister always has such fun events.  The Halloween parties are a lot of fun – everyone dresses up in great costumes!  Especially the home-made theme costumes where matches create something together.  The Winter Wonderland party is a lot of fun – being in Faneuil Hall with the decorations and getting to decorate cookies. The sporting events at colleges are also a lot of fun.  As I said – it’s so hard to pick just one!

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself or about the world since becoming a part of Big For a Day?

I now understand that even if you don’t get to spend a tremendous amount of time with a girl, you can still make a difference in her life.

What would you say to women who are on the fence about applying to Big For a Day—any words of encouragement or advice?

I would say find a way to become involved.  Just call the office or search the website for opportunities.  It is a great experience, and you get back so much in return.  It means so much to the girls.  Just think back to when you were young. If you were lucky, you had a big sister or someone you could talk to about whatever was on your mind.  If not, wouldn’t you have liked to have that someone?  You can be that someone for a young girl.

If you’re interested in the Big For a Day program, check out the Big Sister website.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Guest Post by Marketing Intern, Molly Decker

Winter is here, and it’s definitely brought with it flurries, blizzards, and below freezing temperatures. If you’re at a loss for fun things to do with your Little Sister that won’t leave you more frozen than the Boston Common Frog Pond, look no further! Here’s a list of some fun winter activities around Boston.

Boston Common Frog Pond

If you’re bundled up properly and the temperature is in the positives, it’s not such a bad idea to venture outside and try your hand at ice skating. For Little Sisters 13 and under, admission is free, and for the rest of us (who are still kids, just on the inside) it’s only $5. The pond is open to the public daily from 10am until 9pm or 10pm, depending on the day of the week, and skating with your Little Sister (or trying not to fall with your Little Sister!) is always a fun choice. For more information or to check if it’s open, check out bostonfrogpond.com.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

For Big and Little Sisters alike who are interested in history, the JFK Museum is an amazing place to spend the day. Open 7 days a week, this museum features films, recreated settings like JFK’s personalized Oval Office, and a special exhibit that gives insight into Jackie Kennedy, first lady and strong female role model. Admission pricing is as follows: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and over) and students (with valid college ID), $9 for 13-17 year olds, and free for children 12 and under. For more information, check out the museum’s website.

Winter “Grow Well, Eat Well” Workshops

Since 1991, The Food Project has built a national model of engaging young people in personal and social change through sustainable agriculture. What better way to engage young people than to participate in a workshop with your Little Sister! The “Eat Well” Workshops take place at The Food Project Kitchen in Dorchester, and the “Grow Well” Workshops take place at the Dudley Greenhouse in Roxbury. Advanced registration is required for most of the classes, but it’s worth checking out. If you’re interested, check out this flier and see what’s cooking!

Public Open Night at the BU Observatory

Look up at the stars through Boston University’s telescopes and while you’re at it, learn a thing or two about the night sky! Every winter Wednesday starting at 7:30pm, you’ll get a chance to use these telescopes and see what’s out there. The telescopes are outside so you’ll have to dress warmly, but seeing the sky with BU’s astronomy department is worth it. Weather conditions such as extreme cold and clouds can’t be helped, but check the BU Observatory’s Twitter or call them 2 hours before the event to see if it’s been canceled. Check the website to learn more.

Boston Bowl

Go ahead and be Alley Cats for a day and have fun bowling with your Little Sister! Boston Bowl is located in Dorchester just off of I-93, and features Tenpin and Candlepin bowling, as well as games, food and pool tables once you’ve had your fill of bowling. Daytime bowling during the week is at a discounted price, so go after school until 6pm and have a ball!

Museum of African American History

With February comes Black History Month, and that makes this museum a great stop for those with a thirst for knowledge. It’s full of great exhibits including one through the end of February highlighting Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibits are housed in the Abiel Smith School, the first public school in the nation to serve black children. It’s open from 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and children 12 and under get in for free. Check out their website to plan a visit!

Boston Paintbox Tour

In an effort to lessen the vandalism of public utility boxes, Mayor Menino decided that promoting public art was the best solution. We now have, all over Boston and its surrounding communities, a series of painted utility boxes, painted by artists in their local area to make those necessary boxes beautiful. Here’s a further explanation of the project, and here’s a map of where around Boston you can find all of the boxes. They’re outside, but with the map, you can plan your trip around and not do too much excess walking. Plus, finding all of them is sort of like an art mystery, so you can show Sherlock Holmes how we girls do it.

Made By Me

For Big and Little Sisters who would rather make the art than go around looking for it, Made by Me pottery painting studio is a relaxed, fun atmosphere to do it in. You can work on a piece together, or you can choose you own individual pieces and paint side by side. The cost is the price of your pottery piece (they range from $3-$40, usually depending on size) and then $4 per half-hour per painter. It may seem on the expensive side, but on the plus side, you get to bring your kiln-fired piece home with you when it’s done! Check out their website for more info.

Boston Children’s Museum

Everybody loves to be a kid sometimes, and the Boston Children’s Museum is exactly where anyone can be one. It’s full of interactive exhibits and chances are you’ll be having so much fun, you’ll forget that you’re actually learning a lot. Admission is a bit pricey most days, but on Friday nights from 5pm-9pm, everyone gets in for $1, courtesy of Target, so take advantage of that. If you’re interested, you can see more at their website.

Open Art Thursdays at Roxbury BPL

For people who love art but aren’t so jazzed about pottery painting, there’s always the Boston Public Library. The Parker Hill Branch in Roxbury boasts Open Art Thursdays, which are open to all ages from 3pm-7pm every Thursday. They ask that you call ahead if you plan to come with a group, but they’ll always have fun, creative art projects for you there! It’s also always worth checking out the Master Calendar of Events for all the BPL branches, because they always have workshops and other fun things to do.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and have fun in the winter wonderland of Boston with your Little Sister!