The Big Draft Is Back: Become a Mentor in Central Iowa in 60 days:
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Get in the Game. Become a Mentor in Central Iowa.
While the NFL drafts the next generation of players, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa is drafting the next generation of mentors.
From March 9 to May 9, our community is coming together for The Big Draft, a high-energy mentor recruitment
campaign with one goal:
Recruit 60 Bigs in 60 Days.
Right now in Central Iowa, there are young people waiting for a mentor—someone to spend time with them,
encourage them, and show them what’s possible in their future.
That person could be you. Become the mentor a young person has been waiting for.
What Is The Big Draft?
The Big Draft is a national mentor recruitment campaign launched by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in
partnership with the NFL Inspire Change Initiative.
The campaign draws inspiration from the excitement of football season and the NFL Draft, reminding
communities that while teams draft athletes, we’re drafting mentors who will help shape the next
generation of leaders.
Mentorship doesn’t require special skills, a perfect background, or unlimited free time.
It simply requires someone willing to show up.
Someone willing to listen.
Someone willing to care.
And when that happens, the impact lasts a lifetime.
Why Mentorship Matters
Across Central Iowa, young people are waiting to be matched with a mentor who can help guide them through life’s challenges and opportunities.
Research shows that youth who have a mentor are more likely to:
• Graduate high school
• Develop stronger confidence and leadership skills
• Avoid risky behaviors
• Build meaningful goals for their future
But beyond statistics, mentorship is about something simple and powerful:
Consistency.
A Big shows up.
They listen.
They encourage.
They become someone a young person knows they can count on.
And that kind of relationship can change everything.
Ready to Make an Impact?
The Big Draft Campaign Timeline
The Big Draft runs from March 9 through May 9, with several opportunities to learn more,
connect with current mentors, and get involved.
Key Campaign Events
March 9:
Big Draft Campaign Kickoff
April 12 & April 26:
Flag Football Practice Meetups
(1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
April 23:
NFL Draft Watch Party – “BIG Meet Up”
BBBSIA Youth Mentoring Center
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
May 9:
Big Draft Flag Football Game
Duke Williams Stadium
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What It Means to Be a Big
Being a Big isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about being present.
Mentors spend time with their Little doing everyday activities like:
• Playing sports
• Going to community events
• Working on homework
• Talking about life and future goals
• Simply spending time together
Just a few hours each month can make a lasting difference.
And when you become a Big, you’re never doing it alone.
Our team at Big Brothers Big Sisters provides ongoing support, training, and resources every step of the way.
Be Part of the Team
The Big Draft is about more than a campaign.
It’s about building a stronger community.
When mentors step up, young people gain confidence, opportunity, and support that can shape their future.
And together, we can reach our goal of 60 Bigs in 60 Days.
Central Iowa is on the clock, become a mentor in Central Iowa.
Are you ready to step up?