Volunteer
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Make Room in Your Life for One More Friend
All over Oklahoma there are children waiting for that special person who can bring some magic into their lives. That person could be YOU! Volunteering to be a Big Brother or Big Sister is fun, flexible and easy! And you can choose the program that fits you best. Being a "Big" is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do. Oklahoma's children and its communities will benefit from these friendships more than you will ever know. Just a few hours of your time can make a BIG difference in the life of a child!
By volunteerting you commit to being a positive, consistent, caring mentor and friend to a child. You will develop a trusting relationship that provides opportunities for fun, shared activities, learning life skills, and chances to participate in community service projects.
All prospective volunteers are screened through an application, background checks, character references, and personal interviews. Upon approval, the volunteer will be matched with a child based on personality, common interests, the child's needs and the volunteer's strengths. A professional match support specialist will provide ongoing support throughout the match.
A Program That Works!
Independent research has proven that children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are:
- 46% less likely to use drugs
- 27% less likely to start using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to hit someone
- More confident in school performance
- Get along better with family and friends
Our goals are simple-to develop caring, confident, and competent children that stay in school, off drugs, and out of trouble, by matching them with the caring, consistent, safe role models they need.
Community Based Program
The Big Brother or Big Sister spends a few hours a week a few times a month for at least a year, with the child developing a friendship and enjoying a variety of activities in the community. The volunteer must be at 18 yrs old or older. A child may be referred to the program by the parent/guardian, school, counselor or other agency. In the community-based program, preference is given to the child living in a one-parent home or in a two-parent home with extenuating circumstances.
Amachi, formerly MCOP (Mentoring Children of Prisoners), is a community based program that serves children with one or both parents in prison. Oklahoma ranks #1 in the nation for female incarcerations and #3 for males. Without positive role models a high percentage of these children will end up in jail themselves. They benefit greatly from caring adulst who are willing to spend some time with them, (three to four hours a week several times a month.)
Site-Based Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters has site-based or school based programs at area elementary schools or other agency designated site. The Brother or Big Sister volunteer may be a high school student, college student or an adult. The Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer spends one hour a week, during the academic year, sharing friendship and activities with the child at the child's school or other agency designated site. A teacher, counselor or principal may refer any child that can most benefit from a safe, caring, consistent role model.