Be a Big
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is looking for adults who will be matched with a uniquely suited youth to talk to and share common interests with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee that is built on trust and consistency. With the support of their volunteer mentors, children are able to increase their self-confidence, enhance social skills, and engage in new experiences within their community.
volunteer REQUIREMENTS
- Be at least 18 years old
- Able to commit 3-4 hours weekly/bi-weekly for a minimum of 12 months
- Not anticipating any major life changes that could impact a match (i.e. moving, change in employment, etc.)
- Have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and access to a vehicle
- Would like to have fun and build a positive relationship with a child
GOALS to strive for
Utilizing the Developmental Relationships Framework, we customize the mentoring relationship to include:
Express Care – Show me that I matter to you
Challenge Growth – Push me to keep getting better
Share Power – Treat me with respect and give me a say
Expand Possibilities – Connect me with people and places that broaden my world
Provide Support – Help me complete tasks and achieve goals
rewards
Making a Positive Impact on Young Lives
Volunteering as a mentor gives you the unique opportunity to offer some guidance and support for young individuals. Through your engagement, you become a pivotal part of their lives, offering encouragement that can steer them toward making positive choices. It’s about more than just spending time together; this gives you a chance to be a welcoming presence in a young person’s life. Every conversation, every outing, and every shared moment contributes to the foundational growth of these young minds.
The role of a mentor involves not just guiding but also listening and understanding the challenges that youths face in today’s complex world. By providing a stable presence, you help them navigate through their formative years with greater confidence and resilience. This involvement doesn’t just benefit the mentees; it also enriches your life, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Witnessing their growth and progress firsthand is a reward in itself, serving as a testament to the difference you’ve made.
Developing Personal Growth and Skills
Engaging in mentorship opens doors to personal development that few other volunteer opportunities can offer. As mentors, individuals find themselves learning just as much as they are teaching, gaining insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. This role challenges you to deploy empathy, patience, and effective communication, skills that are invaluable both in personal and professional settings. Moreover, the experience fosters leadership qualities by encouraging you to set examples and inspire your mentees.
Navigating the mentor-mentee relationship requires a balance of guidance and support, which in turn enhances your problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities. These experiences offer a practical arena to apply and refine these competencies, which are highly sought after in all walks of life. Additionally, the feedback and observations from mentees provide fresh perspectives that can challenge your viewpoints and stimulate growth. Engaging in such dynamic interactions not only benefits the youth but also propels you on a path of continuous self-improvement.
Enhancing Social and Community Connections
Volunteering within youth mentorship programs fosters a deep sense of connection to the community and its members. It introduces you to a network of like-minded individuals, all dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. These interactions often lead to lasting friendships and professional connections, enriching your social circle with diversity and shared purpose. Beyond the immediate bonds formed, this network acts as a support system, offering advice, resources, and encouragement.
The ripple effect of mentorship extends beyond the individual relationships between mentors and mentees. It cultivates a stronger, more cohesive community fabric where members are invested in each other’s success and well-being. As a volunteer, you play a critical role in this ecosystem, contributing to a culture of kindness, understanding, and mutual support. This collective effort not only uplifts individuals but also enhances the overall vitality and resilience of the community.
Supporting Educational and Career Aspirations
Mentors play an instrumental role in illuminating the path toward educational attainment and career success for their mentees. Through one-on-one discussions, you can help them identify their passions, set realistic goals, and devise strategies to achieve them. This guidance is invaluable, often providing the encouragement and motivation young people need to pursue their aspirations with confidence. Additionally, mentors can share their own experiences, offering practical advice and insights that demystify the journey toward professional fulfillment.
Beyond academic guidance, mentors also serve as role models, showcasing the importance of perseverance, hard work, and integrity. Your influence can help mentees develop a strong work ethic and a positive attitude towards challenges, traits that are essential for success in any career. By opening doors to new opportunities and experiences, such as internships or workshops, you further enrich their understanding and preparation for the future. This comprehensive support system is critical in helping young people navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are pillars of a healthy, vibrant society, and mentorship programs are a powerful platform to champion these values. As a mentor, you bring your unique background and experiences into the relationship, offering mentees a broader perspective on the world. This exchange fosters an environment where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, encouraging young individuals to appreciate and embrace diversity. It also challenges stereotypes and biases, contributing to a more inclusive community mindset.
The impact of having role models from various walks of life cannot be overstated. It ensures that all youths, regardless of their background, have someone they can relate to and be inspired by. This representation is crucial for building self-esteem and ambition among mentees, showing them that success is achievable regardless of their circumstances. By volunteering, you contribute to creating a more equitable society, where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Improving Mental Health and Well-being
Mentorship has a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of both mentors and mentees. For young people, having a reliable, caring adult in their lives can be a source of comfort and stability, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. These relationships provide a safe space for mentees to express themselves, share their concerns, and receive empathetic, non-judgmental support. Such interactions can significantly enhance their emotional resilience and capacity to cope with life’s challenges.
For mentors, the act of volunteering itself is associated with increased happiness, life satisfaction, and even physical health benefits. Engaging in meaningful work that contributes to the well-being of others can boost your mood and provide a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, the bonds formed through mentorship can mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This mutual benefit underscores the value of mentorship as a holistic approach to enhancing societal health and happiness.
Ready To Become a BIG?
Your references are contacted by phone or email
You will have an in person meeting with a caseworker from BBBSNS and you will be provided with trainings and a police check letter
You will be notified of the status of your application by mail once references, police check and training is complete
Once you receive notification on a successful application you can start to attend our monthly Big Bunch programs and our team will start looking for your match!
A BBBSNS team member will contact you to set up your initial match meeting.
You, the guardian and the little will meet to go over guidelines and questions and get to know each other.
