Students on campus
are always looking for new ways to get involved in the community or volunteer
hours to add to a professional resume. A growing organization in the 7 Rivers
Region is Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Lyndsey Langer, Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Delivery Specialist, says
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization where an individual can
change a child’s life and help enhance the organization in a variety of ways.”
Big Brothers Big
Sisters is always looking for caring and committed volunteers. Bigs are given
the opportunity to mentor a child in the community, one on one, who could
deeply benefit from a mentor. Bigs and Littles are matched based on common
interests and personality type.
There are two
programs Bigs can choose to participate in. The Site Based Program currently
partners with 7 schools in the area through an after school or lunch program.
The Big meets with the Little at the Little’s school once a week for about an
hour while school is in session. The Community Based Program involves a
commitment of 2-3 hours per week where the Big is partnered with one specific Little.
This Big must be able
to provide transportation for the Little if participating in the Community
Based Program. These matches are able to go anywhere in the community and
participate in any activities they see fit. Examples of activities include
anything from playing basketball to going to a Loggers game. Many area
businesses provide discounts or free tickets to Bigs and Littles in support of
their service. Both of the programs require a one year minimum projected
commitment. It is not uncommon to have matches last 10+ years.
College students
are specifically encouraged to get involved by becoming a volunteer Big Brother
or Big Sister in either one the BBBS onsite or offsite programs. There are also
multiple internship and service learning opportunities throughout the
organization. Both the internships and the service learning opportunities are
unpaid positions. To qualify, you must
submit a completed application and pass the interview process and reference
checks. Students who desire to participate must be at least 18 years old for
the Community Based Program and in at least 10th grade to
participate in the Site Based Program. Couples are encouraged as well. These
service hours can be applied as volunteer hours to fulfill a student’s
graduation requirements. Volunteer hours are ultimately flexible. A Big may complete as many hours as desired and
set a unique schedule based around a student’s school or work availability.
Big Brothers Big
Sisters also accepts donations online and at their offices.
For more
information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit http://www.7riversbbbs.org/
