How to become a Big Brother/Big Sister/Big Couple
What are the steps?
- Initial inquire to agency regarding interest
- Volunteer orientation and application process
- Recommendation of acceptance or denial into program
What are the qualifications?
- 18 years of age or older (Unless applying for the school based program)
- Have access to a vehicle
- Provide a copy of driver's license and auto insurance
- Stable lifestyle
- Good general health
- Emotional maturity and responsible judgement
- Appropriate motivation for volunteering
- Work within agency policy and guidelines
- Submit to a criminal and sexual offender background check
- Supply three references who are non-relatives. (Have name, address, and phone)
- Complete interview and application process
How much time is required of me?
- Big Brothers Big Sisters requires that you visit your Little at least twice a month. If you
can devote more time, that is wonderful and the agency supports that. In between visits
we encourage telephone contact as a way of keeping in touch. The agency also asks
for a one year committment to the program. We are please to say many matches last
much longer than that. This might not sound like much time, but as long as contact in
consistent, you can make the difference.
What role does the agency play in my match?
- The professional staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters provides support and guidance to
Bigs, Littles, and parents in an effort to ensure greater success in matches. As a
volunteer, you are never left to cope with any situation alone. Our staff is always here to
help with any problems or concerns, no matter how big or small the problem may seem.
Please don't hesistate to call us with any questions.
What can I do with my Little?
- When establishing a friendship, it is important that you spend time together "getting to
know each other." Therefore, the agency recommends these types of "relationship
building" activities:
Chores as a team/Projects:
Grocery shop
Jigsaw puzzle
Bake or cook a meal
Build bird house, bookcase, or go-kart
Lawn or garden care
Teach or learn a new skill together
(first aid, art, language, sport, music)
Wash your car
Help with school work
Outings:
Your place of employment
Library
Park
Sports related (bike, swim, hike, ball, walk, tennis)
Museum
Zoo
Shops of interest (antiques, crafts, hardware)
Police or fire departments
Cultural events (concert, play, dance)
What can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters Staff?
- Regular support
- Availability: as close as a telephone
- Response to volunteer's concerns or difficulties in relationship
- Acts as a mediator or liaison with family and volunteer if problems arise
- Helps volunteer deal with changes within child's family
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