Big Brothers (helping little kids, not the show)

[Golden_Rhino]

I am thinking of joining Big Brothers in my community. Has anyone ever been part of this program? What is the time commitment? Who pays for the events (movies, sporting events etc...}? Are there any negative things that can happen that I have not thought about?

Any help would be appreciated.

[BUD]

Go for it only good can come from helping out a kid. You pay but, you are not expected to spend alot. Also you can make an appointment to speak with your local agency.

[David H]

I was(still am, really, not as much though) in this program, I had a Big Brother. It was pretty cool, my Big Brother taught me a lot, he was(is) a positive influence on me.

You have to pay for things you guys do together, but every once in a while you'll get hookups from the Big Brother-Big Sister people(free tickets to baseball games, amusement parks, etc)

I would definitely do it if I were you, I plan on doing it when I am older.

[malo]

A coworker became a Big Sister a few months ago, and both she and the child are enjoying it a lot.

The Big Sister organization (would guess it operates similarly) does give her some freebies. Local city/county owned attractions, such as the zoo, nature center, some park board activities, city pools in summer are free. They gave her $50 to spend on the little girl for back to school.

Actually, the organization went out of it's way to let my coworker know that spending a lot of money is not necessary (or even necessarily desirable.) What they are looking for is someone who would want to spend time with the kid, doing fun things, and serving as a role model/mentor.

In terms of time, she usually spends one week day evening with the little girl, and tries to get in some time on the weekend. If she or the family have plans, they pass on the weekend.

She went through a very rigorous interview and screening process. An interview at the Big Sisters' office, a home visit, they checked her references, and did a criminal background check.

After six months, the little sis can overnite with the big sis, so they are looking forward to a "girly" bunking party. Would guess the brothers would go for camping, OD'ing on video games, a sporting event, etc.

She is very happy she did it, and finds it very rewarding. If you like kids and have the time, go for it.