Indiana University School of Journalism

Home » Features » To prepare campaigns, PR class hears about Big Brothers, Big Sisters match

Photo by Allison Davis

Professor Jim Bright’s “Little Brother” Jeremy (right) walked with journalism student Leif Melvin to a talk with students in J429 Public Relations Campaigns. Jeremy and others from the Big BrothersBig Sisters have visited the class to help students develop strategies for their public relations campaigns.

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As Larry Forrester approached 60 and began to plan for his retirement, he started to think about all of the things he had not yet accomplished. He had achieved success in the insurance industry, but there was something missing.

Due to his busy lifestyle and demanding career, Forrester never took the time to devote to volunteer work – something he always wanted to do. Anyone could write a check, he told public relations students during his visit to campus Sept. 29. He wanted to do more. He wanted to take on the challenge of making a direct impact on a youngster’s life.

Forrester chose to volunteer as a Big Brother, and he brought his “little” brother, 13-year-old Mikey, to talk to Ralph Winslow Visiting Professor Jim Bright’s J429 Public Relations Campaigns to discuss their five-year relationship.

The students had a special interest in Forrester and Mikey’s story. Four student agency groups are putting together a campaign proposal for the 21 chapters of Big Brother Big Sisters of Indiana. They hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters local and regional leaders earlier in the semester but wanted to hear about a “match” in order to formulate their campaigns.

Forrester said he appreciates providing Mikey with important insights about life. While on a trip to the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis, Forrester noticed that Mikey was fascinated by the mechanics of the various pulleys and machines on display. He suggested Mikey consider becoming an engineer, something that now is Mikey’s dream.

Bright’s own Little Brother, Jeremy, also joined the class and talked about their experience. Jeremy’s dad suffers from a serious health condition and is not able to get out much, so he looks to Bright to take Jeremy places.

It doesn’t have to be anything big, Jeremy said. Throwing a football around, going for a walk together or shooting hoops at the YMCA are special.

Mikey and Jeremy also talked about the significance that the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff had on making their relationships possible.

When Jeremy was being interviewed by the BBBS staff, he said he could tell that they were really trying to find someone who had the same interests and not put him with just anyone. Mikey also praised the BBBS staff for keeping everything running and taking the time to make matches that last.

To continue to make matches for kids like Mikey and Jeremy, BBBS must find a way to recruit more volunteers and bring in more funds. That’s where the student campaigns can play a role, Bright said.

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