Jim Hansen says he will never forget the first time he saw his Little Brother Justin put on his hockey jersey. The Big Brother felt a rush of pride, knowing that his Little Brother was going to get to participate in team sports for the first time. Now, as nearly 600 children wait for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Hansen is calling for more union members to step forward to volunteer.

He and his Little Brother want to reduce the two years many young people wait to be matched with positive role models.

As an officer and 29-year member of the Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, Hansen knows a lot about improving lives and working together. "The people committed to the labor movement strive for opportunity, mutual respect and a better tomorrow," he said. "These are the same principles I support as a Big Brother."

Hansen learned about the program from a fellow union worker and he hopes other union members understand that "our gains in life are only meaningful when they are shared with others."

Big Brother Jim Hansen, a member of Operating Engineers Local 49, and his Little Brother, Justin.

Ten-year-old Justin and Hansen have been matched for more than three years and have experienced many firsts together. Hansen took Justin to the driving range the second time they met. This was a first for Justin and after a little instruction on how to hold a golf club, Hansen heard him say under his breath, "I'm really glad I got a Big Brother."

Hansen is glad too. He says his time with Justin allows him to "unwind and act like a kid." Hansen and Justin like to ride go-carts, go down water slides, do flips off diving boards and much more. Hansen says when he first met Justin in 2001, "he was quiet and hard to get to know." Through the course of his relationship, Hansen has seen Justin grow in confidence and open up more. "He talks to me easily now because he knows he can depend on me."

As a Big Brother, Hansen says it feels good to know Justin is getting guidance and experiencing new things. Seeing he is making a difference in Justin's life has brought him great satisfaction. He has seen many changes in Justin over the time that he has known him. Justin not only knows how to be "on his best behavior," but he also appreciates opportunities and expresses his gratitude.

"Being a Big is easy," Hansen said. "It's a flexible way to make a difference."

BBBS has programs for busy people of all ages, including:
* Community-based Volunteering. Bigs participate in various activities two to four times per month. Community-based matches are all about the unique interests of Bigs and Littles. The minimum commitment is just one year. Some community-based volunteers partner with a spouse, friend or co-worker to be a Big Couple.
* School-based Volunteering. Bigs meet with a child once a week for about an hour over a lunch, before or after school. Matches might read, play games, or just talk. The minimum requirement is only one school year.
* Club Connect. BBBS plans monthly outing for kids waiting to be matched. Club Connect volunteers attend at least four monthly outings a year; provide transportation to and from the activity and supervision for their buddies.

For more information on becoming a Big, visit www.bigstwincities.org or call 651-789-BIGS.