Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued a call to action asking for 100 male volunteers to mentor Atlanta youth.

Earlier this year, local officials met with leaders of Big Brothers and Big Sisters after finding out there are about 100 boys in Atlanta on the wait list for mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing children facing adversity with mentors and other tools for success

According to Rolling Out, the organization has been serving local youth for nearly 60 years. Mayor Bottoms is committed to working in partnership with the organization to uplift and empower the community.

“Our children can be what they can see. Based upon my daily interactions with men across our city, I know that our boys can grow up to be incredible Atlantans," said Mayor Bottoms. 

Kwame Johnson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters said the partnership is part of Atlanta’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative.

“We are honored to partner with the mayor’s office as part of Atlanta’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative,” said Johnson. “Through this partnership, we can help defend the potential of students that are seeking a Big Brother mentor to help them navigate life. I personally know the impact of mentorship, and I am excited that Mayor Bottoms is offering the support of her administration to help more young boys reach their full potential.”

Volunteers must be over 21, and they also should be able to commit to meeting with their mentee a few times per month for at least one year.

All men interested in responding to the mayor’s call to action can visit the "100 Men To Mentors Challenge" website for more information on how to get involved. Priority will go to men living in or near specific areas of the city.