Bigs and Littles share everyday activities: playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over school-work, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities, or just hanging out. Youth development experts agree that, in addition to their parents, children need addi-tional supportive, caring adults in their lives
That's the magic of the program. While you're having fun with your Little you probably won't realize the tremendous difference you are making. Statistics from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Impact Study, conducted by the national research firm Public/Private Ventures, showed that Little Brothers and Little Sisters were
46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start drinking alcoholic beverages
52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37%less likely to skip a class
33% less likely to hit someone
and generally were engaged in better relationships with their parents and peers.
Community-Based Program Volunteers (ages 18+) are matched with children ages 6 – 12 for a minimum of one year. Bigs usually meet with their Littles for a minimum of a couple of hours every other week, doing any number of activities out in the community. Volunteers in this program can serve as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Big Couples, or Big Fami-lies.
School-Based Program Volunteers (ages 16+) meet with their Littles in local elementary schools one hour each week during the school year, engaging in a variety of one-to-one activities.
For more information visit: The Big Brothers Big Sisters Website