A Big Brother or Big Sister is a volunteer who develops and nurtures a positive, supportive mentoring relationship with a child who is enrolled in one of our programs. A Big is an older, encouraging friend who helps the child realize their potential. A Big is not a substitute parent, tutor, or babysitter.
Who are the children that become Littles?The Littles enrolled in our programs are 6 years old and older. Most are between 8 and 14 years old. They are boys and girls with diverse backgrounds and experiences who live in communities throughout Butler County. The majority of Littles face some adversity in their lives, including things like poverty, an incarcerated parent, or some form of abuse in their families. All Littles have amazing potential! Every Little and their family want the child to be a Little - no child is ever forced to be a Little Brother or Little Sister.
How is it decided which child I will be matched with?Our staff carefully matches Bigs and Littles based on many factors, including location, personalities, interests, and preferences. We want our Bigs and Littles to be compatible and for the relationship to have the best chance of blossoming. Read more below about how we make a match.
What does a Big Brother or Big Sister actually do?A Big Brother or Big Sister spends time with the Little Brother or Little Sister with whom they've been matched. In our Community-Based Program, Sports Buddies Program, and Big Futures Program, this means getting together with your Little at least twice a month for a couple of hours at a time. In our Site-Based Program, it means spending time with your Little for 90 minutes once per week at their elementary school. In all types of programs, getting together with your Little and spending time with them means engaging in meaningful conversations in which you are encouraging the Little in pursuit of their goals, and sharing helpful life perspective with your Little. You also engage in activities that are fun and enjoyable for you both.
It's important to know that some applicants are disqualified from becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister for any of a number of reasons. These reasons may include criminal history, inability to commit to program requirements or guidelines, or other factors.
What is the time commitment?Each Big Brother or Big Sister is required to commit to at least one year - hopefully more! When a mentoring relationship lasts for at least one year, it has the most positive impact on the child. On the other hand, when a mentoring relationship lasts only a few months, it can negatively affect the child.
How will I know if it's working well?Any type of relationship requires dedication, consistency, and clear communication. It's no different between Bigs and Littles. With Big Brothers Big Sisters, our staff will check in with you and the child (separately) on a regular basis and provide any needed guidance and support.
Does volunteering as a Big cost me anything?There is no cost to you to apply or to go through the screening process to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Once you are matched with a child, you are expected to engage in free or low-cost activities with your Little. Sometimes Bigs will take their Little out to dinner and pay for their meal, or take their Little to a ticketed event and buy their ticket. But it is never required or even recommended that a Big buy things for their Little or to spend lots of money on activities. It's about having a supportive relationship where you encourage the child and help empower their potential; it's not about buying them things.