Editorial: Volunteers needed

Monday, June 13, 2005 | 8:55 a.m.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is more than a century old but still isn't as well known as it should be. This is a positive program that pairs an adult with a disadvantaged child for at least one year. During that year (which often extends longer by mutual agreement), the two spend much time with each other playing sports, dining, attending events, and, most importantly, talking. About 225,000 adults are currently enrolled in the program nationally. Directors would like to see that number rise to 1 million within five years.

If they reach that goal, part of the credit will go to Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. He became a Big Brother to a 9-year-old boy eight years ago. The two are still spending a lot of quality time together. Recently, Ensign has been promoting the program, including at a Capitol Hill press conference last week. The boy, Donzale Butler, stood by Ensign as the senator talked about the joys of mentoring. Ensign said Butler once worried that his actions might be disappointing. This became an opportunity for Ensign to teach Butler about commitment. "I told him that, 'No matter what, I'm in your life, for life.' " Ensign said.

Ensign and Butler are good ambassadors for this outstanding program. We hope the goal of a million volunteers is exceeded by a million.