My Voice, My Power: From Awareness to Impact

My Voice, My Power (MVMP), is a school-based mentoring program designed to help children build confidence and essential life skills early on. Through mentorship and meaningful conversations, MVMP creates safe spaces where youth can explore identity, rights, relationships, and community, long before challenges arise.

Building Confidence and Identity

Confidence starts with self-awareness. Big Sisters encourages parents and mentors to ask children what they like about themselves, name their strengths out loud, and let them try new things. These small, everyday actions help kids grow their identity and trust their abilities. When young people feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to challenge stereotypes and embrace their uniqueness.

Teaching Advocacy and Rights

Knowing their rights is key to helping youth speak up. MVMP teaches simple phrases like “I need help” or “That feels unfair,” and encourages kids to create a list of trusted people they can turn to. These tools empower children to recognize fairness and advocate for themselves and others, a skill that lasts a lifetime.

Healthy Relationships and Boundaries

Respecting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships. Big Sisters promotes strategies like WITS (Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek help) and everyday consent practices, such as asking “Are you comfortable with this?” These lessons help kids navigate friendships and conflicts safely and respectfully.

Belonging and Community

Children thrive when they feel part of a community. MVMP encourages noticing acts of kindness, tidying up shared spaces, and finding ways to make others feel welcome. These habits foster empathy and teach kids that they have the power to create inclusive environments.

Digital Safety and Future Goals

In an increasingly online world, digital confidence matters. Big Sisters teaches youth to pause before sharing, protect personal information, and question sources, skills that keep them safe online. Beyond that, MVMP inspires kids to dream big, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate effort, reminding them that their future can be anything they choose.

Why It Matters

Early support changes lives. By focusing on identity, advocacy, relationships, community, and future possibilities, Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland helps girls and gender-diverse youth grow up safer, stronger, and hopeful. These programs don’t just prepare kids for today: they equip them for a lifetime of confidence and resilience.

If you believe in empowering young people, get involved with Big Sisters today. Your support can help create proper pathways and brighter futures for the next generation.