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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION About Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s oldest and largest mentoring organization. Since 1904 caring adult volunteers have been helping millions of children to reach their potential and fulfill their dreams. What Does it Take To Be A Big? Any volunteer who can commit to spending four hours per month with a child can be a Big. Professionally trained staff screens all applications thoroughly before “matching” the applicants with waiting children, and consistent agency support is given to the volunteer, child and child’s parent/guardian. Being a Big means listening to and learning from your Little, but most of all it means being there. Do Bigs Really Make a Difference? Statistics show that children who are mentored are: 40% less likely to start using drugs, 27% less likely to start drinking, 52% less likely to skip school, 33% less likely to hit someone and generally more trusting of their parents or guardians. Why Volunteer? Kids today face problems that we never dreamed of when we were younger. But, as hard as it is for some kids, there is help! A Big Brother or Big Sister can act as a mentor and a role model. A Big can show a child that, no matter how difficult things get, there is a caring adult friend there for them – someone who will listen with an uncritical ear, who will give them advice if asked, and encouragement when needed, and who will help put things into perspective. Ultimately, the guidance of a Big Brother or Big Sister can help a child grow into a confident and caring adult. What is a Benefit? A child’s self-esteem increases when an adult friend genuinely cares. His or her future is broadened by a role-model who can be a guide to life’s opportunities and around life’s obstacles. For our children, the obstacles are very real. How Does It Work? BBBS matches children with positive adult volunteers. The volunteers and the children come from all walks of life and from all types of communities. Prospective volunteers are carefully evaluated by agency staff. Each match is based on the needs of the child and the interests of both the child and the volunteer. Once a match is made, you can begin to have fun with your “Little” by sharing everyday experiences and time with them-taking “Little Moments to create Big Magic” in the child’s life. Professional caseworkers are available to provide advice, provide support to help the match grow and answer any questions. What is a Mentor? A mentor has been defined as “a trusted and faithful friend, who listens, supports and guides young people on a consistent basis over a specific period of time”. To children, mentoring means having a trusted friend who cares about them and listens to them, a role model they can look up to and who will help them achieve their dreams.
A Mentor is: A Mentor is not: A Guide A Savior A Friend A Foster Parent A Listener A Therapist A Coach A Parole Officer A Responsible Adult A Cool Peer
School Based Mentoring: In school-based mentoring, teachers from designated schools refer youth who could benefit from additional attention and guidance. Volunteers then meet with referred youth one-to-one, during the school day, for one hour every week. Volunteers commit to meeting with the child for one school year and must limit their meetings to the school grounds. Mentors with youth usually spend some time on schoolwork, but they also engage in other activities including reading, eating lunch together, talking or playing games.
Community Based Mentoring: In Community-based children are referred by a parent, guardian, foster parent, church member, neighbors, or any organizations that feels the child has a need for a mentor. The Community-based programs requires you to meet with your child at least four hours a month in a one-to-one mentoring, Volunteers may take their child to the park, library, movies, skating, bowling, or any other activity that is decided upon by the volunteer, child, and parent.
Volunteer Eligibility:
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Executive Director
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