Flexible Hours,

 Long-Term Benefits,

  No Experience Necessary.

How's that for a job description? Does it sound like a job you could do? Fact is, it's not a job at all. It's just an opportunity to be yourself, share your time with a child, and make a big difference in his life.

Flexible Hours

That's right. All it takes is a few hours a week several times a month. And it can be doing things as simple as washing your car or mending a fence. Shooting hoops or sharing a meal. Just by being there you're doing more than you can imagine.

Long-Term Benefits

Little Brothers and Sisters benefit enormously from the time you give. You're reaching a kid at-risk before risk reaches him. Statistics bear that out. Little Brothers and Sisters are far less likely to get involved in drugs, juvenile crimes and unhealthy relationships than their peers.

No Experience Necessary

To qualify, you don't have to be an expert with kids. You don't have to be the parenting type. There are lots of kids on our list (most of them are boys). And they're waiting for someone just like you. You - that's all you have to be and you're qualified. Make The BIG Difference

Find our more about Big Brothers & Sisters today. We've got the opportunity of a lifetime for you. One that will make you rich beyond your greatest dreams. And make all the difference in the life of a child.

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters of America?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is a national youth service organization that matches volunteer mentors with children. We are a federation of over 500 local agencies across the country, and we serve tens of thousands of kids in all types of communities.

Our volunteers are called Big Brothers or Big Sisters, and the children they are matched with are called Little Brothers and Little Sisters.

High School

What is a "High School BIG" Volunteer?

A High School Big is simply a student in high school who volunteers as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a younger child. There are about 3,500 such volunteers in the United States. As a High School Big, you are matched with a child from your own community. You become that child's special friend and role model, offering attention, support, and encouragement.

High school students have a lot to offer as volunteers: energy, enthusiasm, caring, creativity, and something more - younger students look up to and admire high school students, and relate easily to Bigs who are also still in school. Especially important: their self-esteem is boosted by having a friend amongst "the big kids."

What Do Matches Do Together?

The most important thing a Big can do for a Little is to be a friend - to listen, give advice if asked, and to have fun. Here are just a few activities that many friends could do together:

How Much Time Does it Take?

It takes less time than you think. Though local BBBSA agencies vary in their expectations, an average match might get together once a week for an hour, or every other week for two hours. The expected duration of the match is often one school year.

No matter what the arrangement is, a Big Brother or Big Sister must be reliable and consistent. Many of these children have few stable, caring relationships in their lives. Part of the benefit of being a High School Big is providing a child with a dependable and committed friend.

How to Become a High School Big

A match between a Big and Little is handled through a local agency. Each High School Big is carefully selected to ensure the volunteer is responsible and committed to being a friend and a role model to a Little.

If you are chosen as a High School Big, you will be matched with an elementary, middle or junior high school student. Each match is customized to fit the interests and needs of both the volunteer and the child.

For more information, call your local Big Brothers Big Sisters of America agency.

Why Should You Volunteer as a Big?

You should volunteer because it's fun and rewarding, and because our volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of children! Littles often improve in self-confidence, academics, and social skills after being matched with a High School Big.

In addition, volunteering can help you fulfill community service credits. You can include your volunteer work on your resume, and on college and job applications. Plus, being a High School Big will help build your leadership skills and confidence.

We're There to Help

High School Bigs are not left on their own to build a friendship with their Little. Agency and high school staffers provide continuing support and assistance not only to Bigs, but also to Littles and their parents. They are there to discuss questions and problems as needed.

College

Children and teenagers today face many obstacles - at home, at school, and in their neighborhood.

Many need the help and friendship of someone older, a role model they can look up to and admire...someone they can be proud of ...someone who can help them to be proud of themselves.

Become a Big Brother or Big Sister - you can make a real contribution to the next generation.

As a college student, you can be a valuable role model for a child.

You can give a child the opportunity to visit your college campus and believe that they too, some day, might be in your shoes. You can expand a child's horizons, as you help that child, or teenager, meet the many challenges of growing up.

Volunteer as a friend to a child or teenager near your campus. All it takes is a little time to make a big difference. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer today.

Call 275-2424 and explore the volunteer opportunities your local Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency has available for you!