FAQ
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma is a statewide organization that facilitates One-to-One mentoring friendships between caring volunteers and children in need. Our goal is to serve 5000 children by 2010 by matching them to a caring mentor with whom they can share everyday experiences and friendship.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has a history of more than 100 years serving youth nationally. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma continues that tradition by providing the best volunteer mentor for each child, to enable them to reach their full potential.
Does the program work?
Yes! Public and Private Ventures 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.
What are the different ways to be a "Big"?
Community based "Bigs" meet with their child in the community at a convenient time for both, and commit to spending a few hours a week a few times a month. Activities take place in the community and are as varied as the individuals involved.
Amachi, formerly MCOP (Mentoring Children of Prisoners), is a community based program for children whose parent/guardian is in prison.
School or Site based "Bigs" meet with their child at the child's school or other agency designated site one hour each week during the academic year.
Who are the "Littles"?
Littles are children from our community who can benefit from having a positive role model. Children may be referred to the program by their parent/guardian, school, other agency, or church. Most children are from one-parent families. All are in need of a friend--someone to laugh with, talk to, learn from and to share those simple moments that make being a child fun. All parents must want to their children to be in our program, and all children must want a mentor.
Who can be a "Big"?
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is something just about anyone can do. The only requirement is a willingness to be a caring, consistent and safe role model with a desire to share the magical moments of friendship with a child. Anyone age 18 or older may be a Big Brother or Big Sister in the community based or site based programs. High School students, age 16 and older, may be a volunteer in a site based program.
How are "Bigs" and "Littles" matched?
Our professional Enrollment Specialist spends considerable time getting to know our volunteers and our waiting children in order to make the best possible match. Children and volunteers are matched on the basis of personality, common interests, the child's needs and the volunteer's strengths.
What do "Bigs" and "Littles" do together?
Just about anything they both enjoy. "Bigs" are friends, and with a friend you can enjoy playing sports, watch a movie, bake cookies, go fishing, hike, do school work, wash the car, play board games, volunteer in the community, or just sit and talk. Additionally, the organization frequently provides group match activities you and your Little may participate in if you like.
How much time does it take to be a "Big"?
Community based "Bigs" spend a few hours a week a few times a month for at least one year buidling a friendhsip with a child School or Site based "Bigs" spend one hour a week during the academic school year with a child at the child's school or other agency designated site.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a "Big"?
No. The emphasis is on spending quality time together not on entertainment. The simplest activites are often the most fun. It is important to enjoy activities that build your friendship and provide opportunities for learning and having fun. The greatest gift you have to give is yourself and your time.
Is there any training for volunteers?
Each volunteer is provided with an orientation prior to being intoduced to their Little. A Match Support Specialist is assigned and is available to answer questions or provide additional training and resources for concerns of particular interest to your match. Your Match Support Specialist will provide support throughout your match relationship, and will touch base with you, your Little and the Little's parent/guardian regularily.
What is the application process to become a "Big"?
All volunteers are carefully screened to help ensure that the relationship with the child will be safe and rewarding for everyone. Prospective volunteers are screened through an application, background checks, character references, and personal interview. All information is confidential.
Why should I become a "Big"?
You will have the opportunity to be a friend to a child. Just being there can make all the difference. You will have fun and enjoy being a kid again.
Will I really make a difference?
Probably more than you will ever know. Formal research shows that children in matches that last at least one year are less likely to begin using alcohol and drugs, less likely to be involved in acts of violence, do better in school, and get along better with their peers and family. Most mentors start out thinking they will help a child and end up saying "I got back so much more than I gave."