BBBS Ithaca
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EMPOWER A KID IN YOUR COMMUNITY

VOLUNTEER
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves young people from age six through fourteen in one-to-one mentoring friendships. Bigs and Littles hang out 2-3 times a month for a few hours doing normal, everyday activities, like seeing a movie, doing homework, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!
Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.
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VOLUNTEER
You have a big opportunity in front of you—to not only impact a child’s life today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow.

In their own words:

Check out what our Littles are saying about having a Big.
Want to see more of what Littles and Bigs say? Check out The Whiteboard Project!

Male Mentors Needed

More than 70% of our children waiting for a Big are boys, but only three out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men.  Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in the life of a boy. 

Volunteering is Big fun!

We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers especially are in high demand.
For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their life. Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential. But don’t just take it from us. Read our Big Impacts match stories of Bigs & Littles for some amazing stories of what it means to be a role model. And if you still have questions, head over to our FAQs for more answers.
READ PROGRAM POLICIES

Ignite potential

Eligibility Requirements to be a Big:
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be able to make a minimum 12 month commitment. For students this is a 3 contiguous semester time commitment.
  • Must be able to meet with your Little for a total of 8 hours a month (usually 2 hours a week).
  • Never have been charged or convicted of a sex crime, child abuse, child neglect or molestation.
  • Meet specific criminal history guidelines.
  • Must attend a Pre-Match Training before being matched.
  • Must be excited to be a fun and positive role model!
Role of a Big:
  • Emphasize friendship over changing the behavior of the child.
  • Be consistent and dependable.
  • Be patient.
  • Focus on fun.
  • Acknowledge that positive impact on the child comes after the relationship is built.
  • Have realistic expectations.
  • Put the child's safety and well being first.
  • Set a good example for your Little.
  • Share your strengths and recognize your imperfections...Bigs are not meant to be perfect.
 Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, a department of the City of Ithaca
Copyright © 2020
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  • Home
  • Volunteer
  • Enroll a child
  • For our Bigs
  • Match Highlights
    • The whiteboard project
  • Donate
  • Partners
  • About
    • Mentoring Works
  • Contact
  • Alumni