If you're considering becoming a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters,
questions may arise. Here are a few of those more commonly asked of us.
If you can't find the answers here, don't hesitate to give us a call.
- What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
- What is a "Big?"
- What is a "Little?"
- How do the children and parents get into the BBBS program?
- What is a "Match?"
- What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
- Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience?
- Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
- Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time?
- What do Bigs and Littles do together?
- Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
- As a Big, what kind of support will I get from Big Brothers Big Sisters?
- What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer?
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nonprofit agency that matches children (Littles) with caring adults (Bigs) who develop a one-to-one mentoring relationship. This friendship is professionally supported by our match specialists who consistently communicate with the Little, the Little's parents, and the Big to ensure the Little is getting all they deserve out of the match. Matches improve the lives of chilldren in many ways such as increasing confidence, improving an outlook on life, and teaching the value of true friendship.
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What is a "Big?"
A Big is a mature adult, at least 17 years old, who is interested in
sharing a mentoring friendship with a child. No special skills are
required... just the ability to have fun and be a consistent friend. You don't need to be a young hipster to be a Big. We have Bigs in our program from all age groups.
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What is a "Little?"
A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child in our program between
ages 6-15. Our Littles come from all different backgrounds and
socio-economic groups. Littles are in our program because they want to be. They want a Big to learn from, have fun with, and with whom to develop a trusting friendship.
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How do the children and parents get into the BBBS program?
All of the children and their families join Big Brothers Big Sisters
because they want to be involved with a positive program that
works. They usually hear about us from their
friends, relatives, schools, and other Bigs and Littles.
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What is a "Match?"
A
match is the pairing of a Big with a Little. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children who
have similar interests in order to make the best possible match. We interview Littles, Bigs, and parents to ensure we match each Little with the Big they need. We want matches to truly enjoy each other's company and therefore form a bond of true friendship.
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What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
The
individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a
result of being matched has proven to help keep them away from drugs
and alcohol, keep them in school and greatly reduce the likelihood they
will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors.
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Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience?
You
do not need any special skills or experience to be a Big. Just spending
time and caring about your Little makes a difference in the life of a
child. We were all kids once, it does not take special skills to be a
friend.
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Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Many
Bigs describe their experiences with their match by saying, "I get to
be a kid again." Imagine a child's eyes
lighting up the first time he or she walks into a baseball stadium or
sees fireworks. Not only can you be there when it happens, but you can
be the reason it did.
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Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time?
Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Idaho has many flexible volunteer
opportunities to fit anyone's busy schedule. As a Big Brother or Big
Sister you'll find it isn't about taking time out, it's about letting a
child in to your interests.
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What do Bigs and Littles do together?
Bigs
and Littles enjoy playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over
school work, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks,
volunteering in their communities or just hanging out. Most everything
that Bigs and Littles do together is fun and beneficial to both the
adult and child.
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Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
The
idea is not to spend a lot of money, but instead to spend fun, quality
time with a child. You can take a hike, go jogging in the park or just
talk. It does not have to cost anything. Also, Big Brothers Big Sisters
has a discount program that includes many local restaurants,
entertainment and recreational businesses. Additionally, Big Brothers
Big Sisters offers many free agency outings and free tickets to many
sporting and cultural events.
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As a Big, what kind of support will I get from Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Each match has a professional Match Support Specialist who is there to
support the child, parent and volunteer. The match support team helps
with any problem solving, feedback and information to help the match
along.
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What is the enrollment process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer?
The enrollment process to become a volunteer is quick and easy. It is
flexible to accommodate your schedule. BBBS staff are available
evenings as needed. To enroll just provide us your name and method of
contact. We'll take it from there! To help us make a good match with a
child, our enrollment process includes a brief interview, reference
check, and home assessment. If you'll be transporting a child we will
also need proof of current auto insurance.
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