People attending the annual Seymour Oktoberfest parade Saturday might notice a group of kids and adults wearing T-shirts with unfamiliar logos.

But they aren’t walking to promote a new group or business in town.

The symbol, that of a capital “B” and a lowercase “b” seamlessly melded together, is the new branding of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana.

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By updating its look, the organization is hoping to increase its brand awareness and give the agency a more positive and powerful image in the community, said Kate Eder, executive director.

The agency serves Jackson, Jennings and Scott counties by matching adult and high school volunteers with younger students in need of a mentor in their life.

There are currently 38 matches between the community-based, Lunch Buddies and high school volunteer programs in Jackson County and a wait list of nearly 20 children looking to be matched.

“The need in Jackson County for young people to have a role model is more urgent than ever,” Eder said. “We want to serve more children and increase positive outcomes by matching them with an adult who will empower them to reach their full potential.”

The new, modern look and brand repositioning should help in efforts to recruit more diverse volunteers, especially men and minority groups, she said.

Months of research, including focus groups with volunteers, kids, donors, staff and leadership, showed the old brand was not effectively connecting with younger, prospective mentors or conveying the urgency of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission, according to a news release.

Although its work will stay the same, the organization will place more focus on a child’s potential and the role of adults in helping children achieve their best possible futures.

“In our community, we know that youth are facing numerous challenges,” Eder said.

Staff members are working to get the message out that there is a need for adults in Jackson County to step up to defend the potential of every child in the community, she said.

Rebranding is just the beginning of big changes for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana.

In 2019, the organization will transition to a new technology system, participate in new training and refocus efforts on recruiting volunteers.

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For information on how to get involved, visit bbbs.org/bigpotential, call 812-522-9699 or email [email protected].

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