How to Become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a Child - Part 2
Will I Need to Own My Own Car to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
It’s not essential to own a car to join the Big Brother or Big Sister program. There are many Big and Little Brothers / Sisters that happily make use of public forms of transportation. If you become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child it doesn’t matter how you get around - only that you get along!
Where Do the Children Come From?
All the children have one thing in common: they are all from single parent families. There are parents who are on welfare assistance in the program but most are working mothers.
The program is not intended as a form of intervention or assistance for family problems but as a source of friendship and guidance for young children. In fact ‘Bigs’ are advised not to become involved with problematic family issues.
Most children may be called typical youngsters who could benefit from a meaningful friendship with an older ‘brother’ or ‘sister’.
Are There Any Costs Involved?
It is free to volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister but you will need to pay your share of any costs involved in the activity you do with your little brother or sister.
The child’s parent is asked to cover his or her share. You may decide to pay for all the expenses involved but it should not be done on every occasion. Low cost excursions that can be accommodated by the parent’s finances are encouraged.
What Do the Kids Enjoy Doing?
Little Brothers and Sisters love the outdoors and swimming, mountain biking, and roller-blading are very popular activities but they also like movies, video games or other activities unique to their specific interests. Some children enjoy team sports while there are those who lover creative activities like art, model building, Lego and wood working.
You don’t need to overspend on an excursion - the idea is to spend some quality time with your little brother or sister each week, doing an activity you both enjoy.
Some states and communities offer two forms of the Big Brother or Big Sister program:
1) Community-based programs in which the matches are based on a one-on-one friendship with a child from a single-parent family. The goal is to increase the child’s self esteem and provide scope for the adult to enjoy time with the child while sharing friendship with somebody who needs their support and guidance.
2) Site-based or School-based programs in which children of elementary school age meet with volunteers from businesses, high schools or colleges. These volunteers join in activities on-site for perhaps an hour each week.
We hope you found the above basic information about the Big Brother or Big Sister Program helpful. If you feel inspired and want to become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child we suggest you contact an organization in your state or community for their specific requirements as these do vary across the different regions of the United States. You can also contact the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association at http://www.bbbsa.org for links to specific community branches of the program and more in depth information on this exciting and mutually rewarding program. Happy mentoring!
