Testimonials

“We just laugh and chat about anything – I think him being trans helps with that – he just gets it”
– Mentee

“We were matched just after my Little came out, we learn from each other every time we meet, and seeing her confidence grow over the last couple years has been so inspiring!” 
– Mentor

“It has surpassed my expectations – it’s a wonderful match and really good for him and his confidence. I think having someone to relate to who shares an identity has made all the difference”
– Parent

With Special Thanks To Our Program Supporters!

PRISM – Mentoring for the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Program Overview

PRISM is an innovative mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Winnipeg.

The first of its kind in Manitoba, the PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a one on one mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a friendship that is supportive, empowering and fun!

The purpose of a PRISM match is to:

• Provide role models for 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth
• Foster pride and self-confidence
• Create inter-generational connections within Winnipeg’s 2SLGBTQ+   community
• Offer 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth a safe adult mentor to  discuss identity with
• and above all, have fun!

Children and youth interested in being matched with a mentor must:

• Self identify as 2SLGBTQ+
• Be between 9 and 17 years old
• Want a mentor who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+

The 2SLGBTQ+ community has a rich legacy of forging informal mentoring networks as a mode of survival. Today, the community has made great strides, yet 2SLGBTQ+ youth continue to face barriers. Research shows that formal mentoring programs are a powerful, protective factor for this demographic as they develop their own unique sense of self.

We’re proud that our PRISM program is managed by staff identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, mobilizing 2SLGBTQ+ volunteers, all to mentor 2SLGBTQ+ youth right here in our city! We truly are bigger together!

Do you have questions about our PRISM program? Contact our Mentoring & Mental Health Specialist Nicole Leeson: nicole.leeson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca 

Volunteer Requirements

The PRISM program requires volunteers to commit to one outing per week, for a couple of hours. Mentors and mentees are asked to commit for a minimum of one year.

Volunteer mentors are extensively screened and properly trained before they are matched. Each match receives the ongoing support of a professional caseworker through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.