For decades now, the citizens of Little Rock have questioned whether our city's crime is related to a lack of good-paying jobs or families' unequal access to high-quality education options. Others have blamed pockets of our city which have been affected by widespread and debilitating poverty.
Despite common preconceptions, crimes aren't discriminating on racial or socioeconomic lines. They're taking place in every corner of our city--from southwest Little Rock and downtown to the more affluent neighborhoods of west Little Rock.
What we're failing to recognize is there's no one cause or entity to blame. Similarly, there's no one person or group that will be able to fix things. We must all be invested in finding a solution.
In July, Mayor Mark Stodola unveiled his "LR for Life" plan to outline how we can work together and best leverage our resources to reduce crime. This comprehensive plan includes initiatives to stop violence, beef up prevention strategies, strengthen the Little Rock Police Department and promote jobs, opportunity and education.
The plan also puts strong emphasis on helping Little Rock's young people succeed. Specifically, it encourages us to provide at-risk youth with neighborhood-based, after-school, summer and athletic enrichment programs. As the plan notes, "children need positive adult role models in their lives." To fulfill the mission of this plan, it will take monetary investment from our city, but it will also require our citizens to invest their time.
Whether it's parents, pastors or neighbors, when mentors spend time with mentees it helps children develop the character and skills they need to excel in school, life and their future workplaces. Mentoring provides exposure and experiences that are life-changing.
Take the positive impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) as an example. Since the 1970s, BBBSCA has provided children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-on-one relationships. For a minimum time commitment--approximately 48 hours a calendar year or 36 hours each school year--Bigs, the mentors, have been able to bring strong results to our community.
According to studies, nearly 90 percent of Littles, the mentees, said their Bigs have helped them make better choices in both childhood and adulthood. Bigs have also helped reduce negative outcomes in Littles that are often associated with future criminal activity, such as using illegal drugs, drinking alcohol or hitting someone.
If we are serious about making changes in our city for today and for tomorrow, then we must invest time and resources in our youth to increase their aspirations for positive opportunities and outcomes.
We recognize that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas is only one answer. There are countless options for mentorship throughout our city, including L.O.V.E. and Arkansas' Victory Over Violence, Boys and Girls Club, Girls Scouts, P.A.R.K. and others.
Any of us can help. We don't have to be perfect to be a mentor. In fact, those of us who have faced adversity or have scars that have healed long ago can pass along valuable lessons. It only takes a few hours of our time, but it can make a big impact.
If we want to ensure a safer and stronger future for our city, then let's start that investment by signing up to be mentors today.
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Kristi Dannelley is the president of Magna IV, a more than 40-year-old Arkansas print and marketing business. Antwan D. Phillips is a partner at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings law firm. Both are current board members and past presidents of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas.
Editorial on 08/31/2017