Volunteering is fun!
To make a successful transition from childhood to adulthood sustained, caring relationships with adults are essential. Today, one in four children are born into a single-parent household; for African American children the rate is two of three. In addition to fewer adults in families, greater numbers work full time outside of the home. The net result is more and more youth confronting a bewildering array of temptations and choices with less and less adult guidance and support.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters approach is to develop caring supportive relationships between mentors and youth. Through mentor relationships, young people at-risk of alienation find acceptance, encouragement, exposure to diversity, and open, honest communication.
Through an enduring, stable, supportive bond with a caring person, youth are assisted with decision-making, effective communication, and social skill development. They receive guidance when facing serious challenges and achieve a reliable basis for making informed choices. They find a constructive expression of curiosity and exploration and feel a sense of worth as a person. Self-confidence, self-esteem and positive behaviors and attitudes are developed and improved.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters program has been found, through internal and external studies and is now celebrating over 100 years of national experience, to prevent significant social, behavior and emotional problems and educational failure. In addition to evidence that mentors can help young people cope with difficult circumstances and make progress toward important goals like improving school performance, there is evidence that the benefits are reciprocal.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do.
It's easy, too. Your Little can join you for the kinds of activities you already like to do, such as:
Just 4 hours a month can change a young person's life.
Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program you're in, you will meet your Little at his or her school or in the community. Learn more about our programs.
Little Brothers and Little Sisters come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are really little (as young as six) and some are teenagers. Some may live on your block and some a few miles away. What do they all have in common?
They need the friendship and guidance of someone like YOU.
"As a Big, you're simply a friend. Your friendship fits your lifestyle. Busy people of all ages can get involved-choose the program that works best for you!"
-Ron, age 54, Big Brother
How to apply: The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete our convenient online application. After you complete a short form online, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you. You'll need to:
Alternatively, you may call 215-343-8260 x 19 during regular business hours to inquire on becoming a volunteer.
We're here to help.
Have a question? Don't worry. Our trained staff will be happy to guide you through the application process. And when it's time to make a match we'll help you meet a Little in your area who shares your interests - and we'll support you all the way. We'll even give you some great ideas for activities that other Bigs and Littles have enjoyed through the years!
Looking for more information right away? Review answers to commonly asked questions in our FAQs.
You've been thinking about getting involved. Now you know how easy it is and how much your help is needed. Why not apply to be a Big today?
Get started today »
Read more about our programs »
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