MENTORING WORKS!
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child is all about sharing simple activities that become magic memories—memories that can have profound life-changing and skill-building effects for a child. As a Big Brother or Sister, you can celebrate the joy of everyday moments, and bring magic into a child’s life—moments where you get back as much as you give. We have programs to fit any interest, lifestyle, or schedule! Check out your choices:
Our Mentoring Programs:
· Community Bigs Program—. A volunteer in the Community Bigs Program is matched in a one-to-one relationship with a child. The Big and Little build a friendship by sharing everyday activities; a trip to the park, a game of catch or cooking dinner together. Over time, these ordinary interactions can become extraordinary moments in a child’s life. Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of 12 consecutive months, 8 hours per month. Requirements (1) car or access to reliable, insured transportation (2) interview (3) training. Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.
· Couples Match Program—The Couples Match Program is a part of the Community Bigs Program. In a Couples Match, a Little Brother or Sister is matched with a couple who would like to volunteer together. Both partners act as a Big to the child, offering friendship, support, and, of course, fun! A benefit of this program is that it provides a child with a model of a caring and healthy family relationship. Couples are free to plan activities together or individually with their Little. Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of 12 consecutive months, 8 hours per month. Requirements: (1) car or access to reliable, insured transportation
(2) interview (3) training. Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.
· Club Bigs Program—A collaborative program of the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington (BGC) and BBBS of South Central Indiana. Volunteer Bigs meet weekly with their Little Brother or Little Sister at the Boys & Girls Club. The BGC is rich in resources to share—computer lab, games, books, gym, friends, and more. Matches are also free to explore the neighborhood—go on a scavenger hunt at the public library, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in a coffee shop, or people watch on Kirkwood. Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of 1 school year, 6-8 hours per month. Requirements: (1) interview (2) training. Program offered in Monroe County.
· School Bigs Program—School Bigs are volunteers who spend time mentoring middle and elementary school students. Bigs and Littles meet one hour each week during the school day, on school grounds only. School matches enjoy card games, reading, shooting baskets, journal writing, or finding a quiet corner to share a giggle. These simple activities, and the friendship that develops, make coming to school fun and rewarding—for the student and volunteer. Volunteer Commitment: Minimum of 1 school year, 1 hour weekly. Requirements: (1) interview (2) training (3) car strongly recommended. Program offered at Monroe County Community School Corporation, Owen County Schools, and Cloverdale Community School Corporation.
· First Friends—First Friends is an activities program for children who are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister in our Community program. Two group activities are offered each month. From pool parties to bowling, trips to the zoo and roller-skating, First Friends activities are memory-making outings for kids and volunteers alike! First Friends volunteers provide transportation and companionship to no more than three children for each activity. There is no cost to the children or volunteers. Volunteer Commitment: 8months, 1 event per month. Requirements: (1) car or access to reliable, insured transportation. (2) interview (2) training. Program offered in Monroe & Owen Counties.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
· Bowl for Kids’ Sake (BFKS)— It’s not about the bowling! It’s about the kids! BFKS is our largest, annual fundraising campaign. At the beginning of every year, volunteers from local businesses and organizations form bowling teams that raise money to support BBBS. The campaign concludes with a fun-filled, prize-packed bowling event. Volunteer Commitment: 3-5 hours in early winter (January/February) and/or 3 hours on day of the Bowl.
· First Mentors- First Mentors is an Indiana University student organization that markets, promotes, organizes special events and coordinates IU’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana.
Information Session—Learning about our mentoring programs:
· Attend an information session to determine what program best suits your interests and lifestyle.
· Check our events calendar online at www.bigsindiana.org for our next information session or call us at 812-334-2828.
Volunteer Screening—Basic requirements include (but are not limited to):
· Submission of application
· Be willing to spend time with a child (varies with each program—see each program listing);
· Own a car or have access to reliable, insured transportation (not required by all programs);
· Agree to time commitment required by each program (see each program listing for minimum time commitment); and
· Interview with case manager.
Volunteer Training—Being a Big Brother or Sister is all about sharing everyday moments and the fun and friendship that results. Training will help you develop a better understanding of:
· The children and families we work with;
· What it means to be a mentor to a child and why it works;
· The ground rules that will help guide you; and
· Our role in supporting you and your Little.
Volunteer & Match Support—We’re here to help! Our case managers are professionals who encourage, guide, and support the mentoring relationship. We keep in touch with you, the child, and the child’s family throughout the match. Whether suggesting ideas and resources for activities or assisting the family with other needs, we are there to help strengthen the relationship. Support includes, but is not limited to:
· Regular contact with you (face-to-face, e-mail, phone);
· Web site resources (from information on child development to ideas for having fun);
· Support meetings and group events; and
· Monthly e-newsletter full of announcements, events, and more!
MENTORING WORKS!
The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring model has around for 100 years and has been found to be highly effective. Research has found that kids who have a Big Brother or Sister are:
■ 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
■ 27% less likely to start drinking
■ 52% less likely to skip school
■ 53% less apt to engage in violent behavior