| • Are there any group activities? |
|
Every 6-8 weeks we plan ”Fun Days”, giving you an opportunity to meet other Bigs and Littles. Every 6 weeks we offer training sessions to small groups of up to 12 Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Periodically we organize an event for all our Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Once we have a Clubhouse of our own, which is planned for the near future, there will be more opportunities for weekly group activities.
|
| • Can I be a Big Brother or a Big Sister to more than one child at a time? |
|
All Big Brothers and Big Sisters start with one Little only. There have been a few Big Brothers that committed to a second child when their first Little became too busy to meet regularly.
|
| • Do Big Brothers and Big Sisters get any financial remuneration? |
|
Big Brothers and Big Sisters volunteer their time and receive no financial remuneration.
|
| • How do you ensure that matches created will last? |
|
BBBS is unique in the creation of matches that are built to last because of the care taken in choosing the volunteers, in creating the matches, and in providing a professional framework of training and support. We'll Support You: Each match is supported by a professional staff at your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency. Volunteer Coordinators regularly check in with volunteers, children, and parents, and are always available to answer questions.
|
| • How many matches are currently active in Israel at the moment? |
|
We currently have over 120 active matches meeting weekly, some of them for almost 4 years.
|
| • How many matches were made in Israel so far? |
|
As of September 2007, there have been 180 matches made.
|
| • How much does it cost to be a Big Brother or a Big Sister? |
|
We discourage you from spending a lot of money during your weekly meetings. It is important to keep in mind that the goal of the relationship is friendship. Spend your time on getting to know each other. We encourage and assist you to seek out free or low-cost activities. Your local agency will refund your expenses up to a certain amount, if you bring us receipts from your activities..Big Brothers and Big Sisters also receive notices of discounted free tickets to a variety of activities.
|
| • Is a Big Brother/Sister a substitute for the missing parent? |
|
No. No one can replace a parent. However, an ongoing one-on-one relationship with a caring, responsible adult can take the edge off loneliness and be a source of the stability, guidance and modeling crucial to a child's healthy development.
|
| • Is being a Big Brother or a Big Sister similar to adoption? |
|
No, Big Brothers and Big Sisters have no financial or legal responsibilities when it comes to the Little Brother or the Little Sister.
|
| • What do Bigs and Little do together? |
|
They have fun! The first step is to understand what your common interests are and plan your weekly meetings based on them. Through the generosity of our partners there are often free tickets to ball games, concerts, and more! Review our long list of ideas.
|
| • What is the minimum amount of time I can volunteer? |
|
At least 2 hours a week for one calendar year. Ideally, matches are made to last and become a life-long friendship.
|
| • What kind of special skills or training do I need to become a Big Brother/Sister? |
|
None. If you are 18 years old or older, have 2 hours each week and know how to have fun; if you have the ability to give attention, stability and support to a child, you have what it takes to be a great Big Brother or Big Sister!
|
| • Why did some of the matches stop being part of the program? |
|
The majority of matches that ended did so when one of the pair moved out of the city.
|
| • Why is this a long-term program? |
|
Israel has many admirable short-term mentoring projects. This short-term experience can be satisfying and productive, but sometimes the relationships evaporate too soon for significant effects to be possible. In addition, for many children the separation after a short period of time is a painful reenactment of previous losses.
|
