2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Is giving or volunteering on your list of resolutions? Yes? Well, here are 10 good reasons to get involved by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister.
The pairings are made according to the tastes, character and affinities of each
Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission is to pair children from single-parent families with responsible adults so that he althy and regular attendance can be a mutually enriching experience. Both parties benefit greatly!
Prevent crime
In addition to providing the balance of life necessary for the development of the child, the significant presence and empathy of the Big Brother or Big Sister are very useful in preventing delinquency. According to one study, 46% of matched youth are less likely to use drugs, 27% are less likely to use alcohol, 52% of youth are less likely to drop out of school and 37% of they have less incentive to skip classes.
A substantial long-term financial return
A studyinnovation from The Boston Consulting Group, which compared 500 former Little Brothers and Little Sisters to a similar control group (who did not have the benefit of a mentor) has demonstrated a substantial long-term financial return in connection with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The findings of the study speak for themselves:
- Every dollar invested in Big Brothers Big Sisters generates an $18 social return on investment.
- Over the course of their working life, the former “Petits” will earn an average of $315,000 more than those in the control group.
- These high incomes translate to an average of $32,154 in additional tax revenue; $49,819 in consumption; $5,856 in additional volunteering and an additional $890 in charitable donations.
Contributing to a child's academic success
A child needs guidance and encouragement to do well in school: that's exactly what the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program offers. In addition, to prevent dropping out of school, the organization has set up a program that allows elementary and high school students to be paired with an adult.
The young people targeted by the Prométhée program may be emotionally fragile, lack self-confidence or receive little encouragement from their parents. We are not talking here about homework help, but rather about support and self-esteem.
The gift of self: an enriching experience
Several adults embarking on the Big Brother or Big Sister adventure do so a priori to help a child who needs support, a friend, a confidant. They are unaware, however, that if this experience is indeed extremely fulfilling for the young people who benefit from it, it is also so for them. All the testimonies of the Big Brothers or Big Sisters abound in the same direction: there is nothing as enriching and good as giving of oneself.
Weaving Eternal Bonds
Being involved as a Big Brother or Big Sister is a long-term experience. Indeed, mentors are asked to be present in the life of the child at least until he comes of age. That said, most of the time, the bonds that unite a Big and a Little Brother, a Big or a Little Sister last beyond the age of majority. Volunteers are not expected to perform a traditional parenting role; it is a true relationship of friendship that unites adults and paired children.
Giving a Single Parent a Break
Giving your time to a child is also giving your time to your single parent. In addition, the greatly positive experiences that the child will have who is accompanied by a Big Brother or a Big Sister will also bear fruit at home.
A few hours a week to help a child go further
Big Brothers Big Sisters provide positive and meaningful role models to children in need. Thanks to these, young people will have the chance to improve their self-esteem, develop he althy lifestyle habits and persevere in school. In addition, being part of the big Big Brothers and Big Sisters family means being part of a rich tradition of mutual aid dating back more than a hundred years. For just a few hours a week (or every two weeks), you can make a difference in a child's life.
Different programs
The Organization has set up various mentoring programs which, depending on the number of hours you have to devote to it, will allow you to live the Big Brother or Big Sister experience. For example, in the context of a traditional twinning, the volunteer must commit to meeting the child three or four hours a week or every two weeks, with a view to a long-term commitment.
Group Matching, on the other hand, is ideal for someone who is only available for a few hours a month.
It's easy as hell
Do you want to embark on an adventure? Nothing's easier! Make sure you are comfortable with the requirements and responsibilities of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors. If so, contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters to begin the process ofapplication and evaluation.
