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Frequently Asked
Questions
Volunteer » Frequently Asked
Questions
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What is Big Brothers Big Sisters? |
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In fact, Big Brothers Big Sisters recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.At BBBS of Otero County, we match caring adults with children, ages 6 to 14, in one-to-one friendships. BBBS has been serving the youth of Otero county for 15 years.
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What is a 'Big'? |
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A Big is an adult (18 years and older) who is interested in being a part of a child's life. In our community-based program, Bigs get together with their Littles at least twice a month. In our school-based programs, Bigs meet with their Littles at school only once a week for one hour. Juniors and Seniors in High School can also be Big Brothers and Sisters as part of our school-based program.
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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 ages 6-18. Our Littles come from all different backgrounds and socioeconomic groups.
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How do the children and parents get into the BBBS program? |
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Parents can call us at 434-3388 or stop by our office at 1211 E. 10th Street, Suite 10.
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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 (or a Little Brother only in the S.T.A.R.S. Program), or a Couple to a Little Brother/Little Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children who have similar interests in order to make the best possible match.
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What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters? |
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The individualized attention and friendship our Littles receive as a result of being matched has proven to help keep them away from drugs and alcohol, keep them 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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You do not need special skills or experience to be a Big. Being a friend and caring about your Little makes a difference in the life of a child.
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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 see a hot air balloon. Not only can you be there when it happens, but you can be the reason it did.
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Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time? |
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As a Big Brother or Big Sister in the Community based program, you decide with the Little and their parent when you will see your Little. Big Brothers and Sisters in S.T.A.R.S. spend 45 minutes to one hour (30 minutes if the student is in Kindergarten) at school helping the child in an area identified by their teacher.
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What do Bigs and Littles do together? |
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It is very important to our staff to make good matches based on the interests and preferences of the volunteers, children and parents. Bigs and Littles enjoy playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over school work, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities or just hanging out. Bigs and Littles do together activities that they both enjoy!!!
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Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer? |
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The idea is not to spend a lot of money, but instead to spend fun, quality time with a child. You can take a hike, go jogging in the park or just talk. It does not have to cost anything. Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers Match Activities every few months which are no or low cost such as the Holiday Party, picnics at White Sands or up in the mountains and bowling. Big Brothers Big Sisters also offers free tickets to sporting and discounts at some local businesses.
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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 is continually supervised by a professional Case Manager who is there to support the child, parent and volunteer. The Case Manager is there throughout the life of the match to help with any problems that may arise.
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What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer? |
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The Application process includes a personal and confidential interview, a criminal background check, driving record check, personal and professional references. Volunteer training is done on an individual basis.
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