Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be Catholic?
- I don't live in the Los Angeles area. Is there a program
near me?
- Will I have enough time?
- Is it expensive to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
- I've never worked with children. What do I have to
offer?
- Am I the kind of person you need?
- I'm interested, but can I get more information before
making a decision?
- Can I really help?
- Are there other ways for me to be involved if I don't
become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
1. Do I need to be Catholic?
No. Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1925 by Catholic
laypeople, but, as times change, so do the needs of the community. As
a result, Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters has grown to serve volunteers
and Little Brothers and Sisters who represent many religious backgrounds.
return
2. I don't live in the Los Angeles area. Is there
a program near me?
Yes. Though Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters serves only Los Angeles
County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has 500 affiliated organizations
across the United States. Check the Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America Website for an organization near you.
return
3. Will I have enough time?
Yes. When you agree to become a Big Brother or Big Sister , we ask you
for a one-year commitment of a few hours spent with a child two or three
times each month. That's not a lot, is it? You can schedule your hours
according to the time you have available and involve the child in your
normal activities. Quality time can be spent while washing the car, shopping
at a hardware store, or just hanging out together.
return
4. Is it expensive to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
It doesn't have to be. There are many activities that are free or low-cost.
Riding bikes. Hiking. Going to the beach. Use your imagination. Catholic
Big Brothers Big Sisters also occasionally provides free tickets to ball
games and other events. The most valuable thing is to provide your Little
Brother or Sister with your time and friendship.
return
5. I've never worked with children. What do I have
to offer?
Your friendship. It's that simple. We all have positive qualities to share.
Our selection process is designed to match your qualities with the needs
of a child in your community. After you are matched with a child, a case
manager is available to provide training, support, help and advice when
needed.
return
6. Am I the kind of person you need?
Yes. If you have the time, the desire and are at a stable place in your
life, you could make an ideal Big Brother or Big Sister for a child on
the waiting list.
return
7. I'm interested, but can I get more information
before making a decision?
Yes. Call (800) 463-4066, (213) 251-9800, or
(213) 251-7760 (TTY) and talk to one of our staff members. You
may also email our Volunteer
Recruiter who will be happy to answer any and all questions you have,
and to provide all the additional information you need..
return
8. Can I really help?
Definitely. Remember, you are asked simply to be a child's
friend. That's easy and fun. You will be a positive influence in the child's
life and your relationship will grow and develop in a natural way.
return
9. Are there other ways for me to be involved if I
don't become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Yes. Call (800) 463-4066, (213) 251-9800, or (213)
251-7760 (TTY) and a staff member will go over all available volunteer
opportunities. You may also email our Volunteer
Recruiter
return
© Copyright
1998 - 2006 Catholic Big Brothers, Incorporated. All rights reserved. See our
privacy statement and trademark info. Webmaster: a3i. This page last updated on April 5, 2004
|