What is a Big Brother or a Big Sister? Community-based mentors are adult volunteers, 19 years or older, who want to share the activities he/she already enjoys with a child or teenager for 2 to 4 hours a week. They are people who want to be a friend and companion to a young person and share in the joys and challenges of growing up. New activities are shared, giving a youth positive experiences in t
heir daily life and opening up new perspectives. School-based mentors may be adult volunteers or high school students who are able to meet with a child on school grounds either during the school day or directly after school. Activities are done in the classroom, playground, library or lunchroom. Volunteers make a commitment for at least one year. Hopefully, it will continue for many years. These matches build a friendship while focusing on academic and organizational skills. Who are our Big Brothers and Big Sisters? Men and women who work and live in your community, high school and college students from nearby schools, and retirees, military men and women, members of congregations or civic organizations. A few things that effective "Bigs" end to do consistently:
They understand that their role is to be a friend. Our Littles already have caring teachers and parental figures in their lives. Effective Bigs add the simple but powerful element of someone who freely chooses to be part of a child's life, someone who likes and respects him/her, and believes in his/her potential. They listen—really listen. They actively try to get their Little to talk about what is important to him/her; they remember what their Littles have said or shared, and follow up with interest. They keep their promises. They make a commitment to their Little and show the child that they think their time together is valuable and important. They understand that this relationship can often look and feel one-sided. Sometimes it may feel like you are making all of the plans and all of the calls. That’s okay. Consistently initiating contact and making plans will help develop trust and show your Little that you care about him/her. They involve their Littles in deciding what to do with their time together. These Bigs take time to see what kinds of things their Littles like to do. Again, it makes the Little feel like you really care about him/her. They believe in magic. When having fun is a priority, you both get to explore new ideas and share experiences neither of you might otherwise have—that's where the magic is. Successful "Bigs" also:
Accept their Little or their Little’s family as they are. It’s not about changing what is already there, but about impacting their lives in a positive way. They put friendships first. Improved grades, attitudes and behaviors will come with time.
