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Frequently Asked
Questions
Become a Big » Frequently Asked
Questions
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What is Big Brothers Big Sisters? |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit agency that matches children with adults who assist the child by simply being a special friend. They form lasting relationships that influence the lives of the child, volunteer and family.
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What is a 'Big'? |
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A Big is a mature adult (18 years and older) who is interested in being a part of a child's life at least 2-4 times a month for a minimum of 18 months.
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What is a 'Little'? |
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A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child in our program between the ages of 5 and 15. Our Littles come from various backgrounds, neighborhoods and schools. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.
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How do Children come into the program? |
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Children and their families join Big Brothers Big Sisters because they want to get involved with a positive youth prevention program that works. Children and parents learn about BBBS from teachers, counselors, friends, advertising, etc. They simply desire an additional positive influence in the child?s life.
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What is a "Match"? |
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A match is the pairing of a Big Brother to a Little Brother, a Big Sister to a Little Sister/ Little Brother, or a Big Couple/Big Family to a Little Brother/Little Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children who have similar interests in order to make the most compatible match.
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How will I be matched with a child? |
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The application and interview process helps us to get to know the volunteer's preferences as well as the situation best suited for each participant. We take into account personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. We will inform the volunteer about the child we think is appropriate for a match, but the final decision is the volunteer and the parent's.
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What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters? |
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The individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a result of being matched has proven to help keep them away from drugs and alcohol, help them perform better in school, and greatly reduce the likelihood they will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors.
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Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience? |
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Volunteers do not need any special skills or experience to be a Big. Just spending time and caring about a Little makes a difference in the life of a child. We were all kids once, it does not take special skills, just a willingness to be a friend.
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Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister? |
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Many Bigs describe their experiences with their match by saying, 'I get to be a kid again!' Imagine a child's eyes lighting up the first time he or she walks into a baseball stadium or skis down a mountain. Big Brothers and Big Sisters witness all those fantastic moments, and are often the reason children are able to have those moments!
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Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time? |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin County has many flexible volunteer opportunities to fit anyone's busy schedule. Bigs see their Little Brother or Little Sister about 2-4 times per month and do things that they already enjoy doing. The average outing is anywhere from one to four hours. Bigs in the School-Based programs go into the Little's school and spend about 45 minutes to one hour. They do school work, enjoy playing games, or simply talk.
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What do Bigs and Littles do together? |
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Most matches do simple, everyday activities and often begin their match with outings conducive to talking. Bigs and Littles have lots to learn about each other! They might enjoy playing catch in the park, baking cookies, bowling, having a picnic lunch, playing sports, doing school work, visiting museums, taking a bike ride, visiting the library, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities or just hanging out. Most everything that Bigs and Littles do together is fun and beneficial to both the adult and child.
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Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer? |
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The goal of the relationship is friendship. We encourage volunteers to seek out free or low-cost and simple activities. Volunteers get a "Two-for-One" list of area businesses that offer discounts to Bigs and their Littles. BBBS offers monthly group activities that are usually free and are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littes. We also e-mail our Bigs regularly with information about free or inexpensive activities in the area, as well as opportunities for free tickets for matches to attend a variety of cultural and sporting events when available. Currently, there is a $15 background check fee for potential Bigs.
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As a Big, what kind of support will I get from Big Brothers Big Sisters? |
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Each match has a professional Match Support Specialist (MSS) who is there to support the child, parent and volunteer. The MSS helps the volunteer develop his or her friendship, address any questions, concerns, or problems, and offers guidance throughout the life of the match. They are also a helpful link to resources. Each Big and Little is assigned to a specific MSS who will check-in with the volunteer, child and parent on a monthly basis.
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What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer? |
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The process to become a Big begins as soon as a potential volunteer submits an application. The application process includes a personal confidential interview, a criminal background check, driving record check, and personal and professional references. A volunteer training session is also necessary.
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Thank You To our
LEGACY MATCHMAKER
OP/TECH USA Giving Levels
Century Club $100
Patron of Youth $350
Benefactor of Youth $500
Match Maker $1,000
Advocate of Youth $2,500
Magic Maker $5,000
Dream Maker $10,000
Legacy Match Maker $20,000
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