WHEREAS, Everyone remembers someone special – a neighbor, teacher, relative, or friend who broadened our horizons and made a big difference in our lives; and
     WHEREAS, One way to return the favor is to mentor a child; and
     WHEREAS, Every adult has something to offer, and a few hours a couple of times a month can make a big difference in a child's life; and
     WHEREAS, Research has shown that children engaged in the one-to-one, professionally supported mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely to finish high school and less likely to begin using drugs and alcohol, skip school, or be involved in violence; and
     WHEREAS, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies have provided thousands of children with mentoring matches and has a vision to provide successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all; and
     WHEREAS, The Big Brothers Big Sisters Network in Washington State, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Columbia NW, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland NW, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Washington, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Whidbey Island are sponsoring Lead Big! Big Brothers Big Sisters Advocacy Day on February 16th, 2009;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate does hereby honor the Big Brothers Big Sisters on their Advocacy Day, February 16, 2009, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, religious and educational institutions to support mentoring and give young people in our community the gift of time and friendship through Big Brothers Big Sisters or other mentoring programs in our community.