Why I Show Up: One Mentor's Story
Meet Lindsey Burkhardt
BIO Girls Volunteer Mentor in Abercrombie/Colfax, North Dakota
Why I Show Up: One Mentor's Story
Lindsey is a mom of four daughters, ages 2 to 10. She is also a BIO Girls mentor. After five years, she’s still showing up every week and when asked why, she says the reason is sort of complex. We sat down with Lindsey to hear about her story, why she keeps showing up as a mentor, and how her work in child abuse prevention ties into her time volunteering.
It's About the Girls
“The most obvious reason is the girls. Watching them grow from second graders into teenagers, is one of the most powerful things I have experienced. One of my favorite moments is when I'm out in the community and I hear someone call my name. I turn around and there's one of my girls, and I call them my girls, running toward me. That kind of excitement and the relationships that we are building are so impactful.”
It's About My Own Daughters, Too
“I want my girls to see me giving back to my community and showing up. I think it shows them that their mom is passionate and that I care. It shows them that service is important and showing up and being there matters.
I always want my girls to know they can come and talk to me. But children don't always turn to their parents. And the thing that BIO Girls does for me is it fills a gap because I know my girls maybe won't feel comfortable coming to me for everything.
I'll tell them: "If you need to talk to somebody, or if you have a question and you don't want to ask mom, you can ask your mentor." That gives them permission to know these are their mentors, they can ask them anything, and mom has said that's okay. It's a safe place and they get that through the relationships they build week after week.”
The Protective Power of One Caring Adult
“My work is predominantly around child abuse prevention. In that work, we spend a lot of time digging into risk and protective factors. What we know is that the more we can layer children in protective factors, the more likely they are to be safe.
One of the strongest protective factors for children is having a strong, supportive, trusting relationship. Having that one caring adult in their life can make a really big difference. And I don't think we as mentors recognize that enough. We carry so much power in the lives of these children. Just by showing up every week, we tell these girls: You matter. You're important, and I'm showing up for you.”
What I'd Tell My Younger Self
“I'd hug her. I would tell little Lindsey that it's going to be okay and that you don't have to be scared, you're safe even if you don't feel it sometimes. And in 10, 20, 30 years, you're going to have these incredible children, and you're going to be a good mom, and you're going to love these girls and they're going to love you.”
Want to get involved like Lindsey?
Like Lindsey said, as mentors, you are more powerful in the lives of girls that you sometimes realize. We have a variety of ways that you can get involved.
Learn More about Lindsey’s Work
Check out Families Flourish ND