Get Involved!
Become a Big Brother or Big Sister today.
What is a BIG?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are, foremost, friends to children: They share everyday activities - exploring new horizons, and experiencing the joy that simple moments of friendship can bring. Within those little moments lie the big magic that a Big Brother or Big Sister brings to the life of a young person. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is something that you can do. The only requirements are a willingness to make a new friend and a desire to share some fun with a young person. Our volunteers consistently say that being a Big is even more enjoyable and fulfilling for them than it is for their Little.
- The primary job of the
Mentor
is to provide friendship and companionship to the young person they are matched with.
- Many people feel that being a mentor requires special skills, but mentors are simply people who have the qualities of a good role model.
- Mentors take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing positive relationship.
- They are a positive role model.
Location
The project seeks to place volunteers as close to their own homes as possible. During the course of interviewing and placement, volunteers will have the opportunity to state any preferences they have, and the agency will comply with these preferences as nearly as possible. Before making any match, program staff will consider location, interests, skills, background, knowledge and temperament of both the young person and the volunteer.
What a mentor Is and IS NOT
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A
Mentor
Is a…
- Friend
- Coach
- Companion
- Supporter
- Advisor
- Advocate
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A
Mentor
is NOT a…
- ATM
- Social Worker
- Parent
- “Cool” peer
- Nag
- Savior
- Baby sitter
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Benefits for BIGS
Many mentors report that mentoring:
- Provides a sense of meaning and purpose and a chance to give something back
- Provides a break from often busy professional lives
- Offers an opportunity for learning and personal growth as well as emotional satisfaction
- Reinforces a deep belief in the importance of helping others
- Is a way of making the community, the nation and possibly even the world a better place, one future citizen at a time!
The best part is, you'll not only see what it does for them, you'll feel what it does for you!
Benefits for LITTLES
There are many benefits to the Little.
Studies of mentoring programs have consistently shown that youths who are mentored show:
- Improved grades
- An enhanced self-image and sense of self worth
- Increased self-confidence
- Increased school attendance
- Have Better relationships with friends and family
When you mentor a young person, you have a chance to have a positive effect on the course of his/her life. Most people who have ever made something of themselves had an adult who believed in them and encouraged them when they were young; it made a real difference. YOU can be that person!
An organization you can trust
Youth development experts agree that, in addition to their parents, children need additional supportive, caring adults in their lives. BBBS works closely with parents to match every child with the right Big Brother or Big Sister. Each potential Big is screened, trained, and supervised to help ensure that the relationship will be safe and rewarding for everyone involved.
Volunteer Now - Be a part of something BIG!
Getting your friendship started with your Little, takes three steps.
- The first thing you do is to contact us and tell us about yourself. We'll give you a registration form to fill out, or you may download the registration form and fill it out in advance.
- Then, we'll contact you within 24 hours to set up a meeting with a BBBS representative who will conduct an interview and a background check. Interviews are really to get to know you and to ensure that you and your Little have the greatest potential for a rewarding friendship.
- Finally, we will provide you with an orientation and information on being a Big. Then the fun begins and you will be matched with your Little.
If these options are unavailable to you there are other ways you can help:
- Ask your employer, church or any other organization you are involved with to host an informational session about our program at their convenience.
Make a donation; your gift is truly appreciated! Big Brothers, Big Sisters is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, and contributions are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.
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What Bigs Like Best
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Provides a sense of meaning and purpose and a chance to give something back
Provides a break from often busy professional lives
Offers an opportunity for learning and personal growth as well as emotional satisfaction
Reinforces a deep belief in the importance of helping others
Is a way of making the community, the nation and possibly even the world a better place, one future citizen at a time!
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Board Member Applicants
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This organization is Board Driven and Staff Supported. We are always interested in considering new board members that are willing and able to help meet our goals.
Meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30PM. Please contact our office if you would like to attend. Should you wish to apply for board membership, the board will then consider your application.
You may download the application here.
We look forward to meeting you. |
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