Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine

Description

Remember when you were young and looked up to those who were older than you? You wished one of those people you looked up to would take time to do something with you. Young people today have the same hopes we had when we were young. By becoming a mentor you can make a young person's hopes come true.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for people who want to spend time with a child. We call these mentors "Bigs". You have an opportunity to make an impact on a child's life by becoming a Big. A landmark study of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring confirmed that children are more likely to excel and make better choices in their lives when they have experienced the quiet power of a Big match. Little Brothers and Sisters are much less likely to skip school or to start abusing alcohol or drugs.

Who are Big volunteers? Someone like you. From high school students to senior citizens, Bigs are people who know that when you're part of something Big, you're part of a bigger picture...our communities. As a Big, you become a friend to a child in your community. No specialized degrees required.

Become a school-based Big. Spend an hour a week with a child at your local school. Become a community-based Big. Spend 6-8 hours a month out in the community, sharing experiences with a child. It's simple. Play games, have a beart-to-heart talk, learn a new joke or song. Rake leaves, go fishing, make a pizza. Nothing earth-shattering, but the power of that relationship can be life-altering (for you, too) and truly a part of something Big. Volunteers are required to complete an application, interest inventory, and an interview--all designed to help us match you with a child with common interests and within your geographical area. You will be asked to provide us with a few references. We will also complete criminal and motor vehicle background checks from the information you provide. School-based volunteers may be high school students in good standing. Community-based volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. School-based matches start between the months of September and January. Community-based matches start anytime during the year. Volunteers are asked to commit for one academic year or one calendar year. All volunteers are provided with training prior to being matched with a child. Volunteers are also asked to respond to all contact by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff to ensure match safety. Staff will be contacting you on a monthly basis to provide support, celebrate success, and assist you in any way we can.