Questions Frequently Asked by Volunteers

What does it take to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?

Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is something almost anyone can do. People just like you from all walks of life become Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The only requirements are a willingness to make a new friend and a desire to share some fun with a young person.

How much time does it require?

It takes less time than you think! Meetings between a Big and a Little can vary from a couple hours each week to a few hours per month. In addition to offering the traditional community-based program where volunteers spend time with a child out in the community, we offer a school-based program that makes it possible for volunteers to meet with a child at his or her school, typically during lunch time. Our goal is to make a match that works, time-wise, for both the volunteer and the child.

No matter what the arrangement, a Big Brother or Big Sister must be reliable and consistent.
One of the primary benefits young people derive from participating in the program is from having a relationship with a dependable and committed friend.

Bigs and Littles expand each other's horizons by sharing everyday activities. Here are just a few activities Bigs and Littles can enjoy doing together:

• Play sports, attend athletic events or go biking, hiking, rollerblading, fishing, etc.
• Read a book together, go to the library or do homework.
• Talk about yourselves or play board games.
• Do something creative: draw, paint, sing, dance, sculpt, garden, cook, play!
• Go to the mall and share a pizza or go to the movies.
• Do volunteer work in your community.

The most important thing a Big can do for a Little is to be a friend - to listen, give advice when asked, and to have fun.

You should volunteer to become a Big because it's fun and rewarding and because our volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of children! Littles frequently improve their self-confidence, academic level of achievement, and social skills after being matched with a Big. In 2003, the parents, teachers, and mentors of Littles reported that the children who participated in the program showed significant improvement in many areas. For example:

• 72% increase in self-confidence
• 56% improvement in academic performance
• 60% more likely to avoid substance abuse
• 64% improvement in respect for other cultures
• 76% improvement in relationships with peers

We're there to help!

Each potential Big Brother or Big Sister is screened, matched, trained and supervised by a BBBS staff member to help ensure that the relationship will be rewarding for everyone involved. Equally important, our staff members maintain regular contact with all matches and are available for consultation on an ongoing basis to assist Bigs with any issues that may arise.

It's easy! You can fill out an application right here online (see application button) and e-mail it to us.
One of our BBBS staff members will contact you after reviewing your application to schedule an interview. They also will contact your references and conduct a criminal background check. After these steps have been successfully completed, you will be ready to be matched with a child. Each Big is carefully selected to ensure he or she will be committed to being a reliable friend and positive role model for a child.

If you are selected as a Big, you will be matched with an elementary or middle school student. Each match is customized to fit the needs and interests of both the volunteer and the child.

{Fill out an online application!}

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