Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi, the nation’s largest African-American Fraternities, have joined forces in an unprecedented union with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help black boys — often referred to the organization by single mothers — succeed. The fraternities — which represent 250,000 college educated-men, many who are among prominent African American business and community leaders — are not attempting to replace missing fathers. Rather, they expect their involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters as mentors, advocates, fundraisers and influencers, to help African American boys and other children break negative cycles.
Most children mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ nearly 400 agencies are from single-parent families, households experiencing poverty or homes where a parent is incarcerated. Independent research finds children with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are more likely than their peers to stay in school, avoid violence, reject illegal activities and have positive relationships with their families and others.
The collaborative effort will expand Big Brothers Big Sisters’ near 20-year national partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha. Together, the fraternities will work with the organization to develop programs to encourage members and friends in their large professional, personal and social networks to also support the nation’s largest donor-supported network of volunteer mentors for youth. The men will urge those in their networks to become Big Brothers; donate and raise funds for the top-rated charity; serve on boards of directors for local agencies in their communities; create sponsorship partnerships with their employers; host recruiting and other engagement events, and provide enrichment programs for Little Brothers and boys who are ready to be matched.
“This landmark partnership greatly strengthens our engagement in African American communities and will be significant in helping us serve many more children, particularly growing numbers of boys whose moms are seeking our help,” said Judy Vredenburgh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
In addition to joining forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters to develop new national initiatives, the fraternities will expand successful programs launched in recent years by individual local agencies and fraternity chapters. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also working to build partnerships with two other historically black fraternities — Phi Beta Sigma, which has a tradition of formal mentoring through its Sigma Beta Club, and Iota Phi Theta, which has a history of participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
