What is your agency's mission? Our mission is to build and support one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth.
Why is mentoring important? Mentoring is the act of providing guidance and friendship to someone who could use a role model for life's choices and decisions. By mentoring, people can help others reach goals and improve self-esteem. When mentoring children, volunteers offer to help build a strong foundation for youth as they grow.
How does mentoring work? It's simple. Someone volunteers to develop a relationship with a young person, offering support and guidance. By spending time together, learning new things and enjoying friendship, the mentor helps the young person make better life choices.
Why choose this program over others? Big Brothers Big Sisters pioneered youth mentoring in 1904. We're the industry leader in mentoring services to children. An independent national study surveyed our programs and methods spanning a five-year period. This research company found that children involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs were more likely to graduate and stay out of trouble when compared to their peers without mentors. They also found that children improved their school grades and relationships with others. Our program has proven results.
Additionally, our programs are characterized by three elements that most mentoring programs do not feature:
Professional supervision: Intake of client and adult, screening and training of the adult, creating matches, and supervision during the relationship is conducted by professional Case Managers who combine assessment, management, coaching and guidance to all parties.
Longevity: This relationship is unique and different for each match, thus it takes time to develop. Our volunteers commit to 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of one year.
Developmental relationships: Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i creates friendships between adults and youth. These naturally developing friendships are highly valuable to the child, as the adult is willing to share their time and include the child in day-to-day activities.
Does Big Brothers Big Sisters have any results to prove success? Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i measures the impact of services for at-risk youth by administering a nationally-accepted pre/post test known as the Youth Outcomes Survey. This survey shows us that Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i’s mentoring programs result in proven, positive short-term and long-term outcomes for youth in three main areas: educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and increased social and emotional well-being.
Educationally, youths in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program have higher grades, better scholastic competence, and a greater desire to graduate from high school and attend a four-year college.
Socially, youths in our programs feel more accepted by their peers and more connected to their family. They are also more likely to say no to drugs, alcohol, skipping school, or getting in fights.
Emotionally, youths in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program have greater feelings of self-worth and therefore, more hope and higher aspirations for the future.
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters of America? Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the umbrella organization that supports local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. They are headquartered in Philadelphia and offer standards for agencies to provide consistent, quality services.
How many chapters exist nationwide? More than 500 agencies are spread throughout North America. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America even has partnerships with organizations across the globe, with programs in Russia, Canada and other major countries.
Where are you located in Hawai‘i? On July 1, 2012 the formerly independent Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies on O‘ahu, Maui, and Kaua‘i joined together under the umbrella organization Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i. We're excited to now be working together to serve children across the islands! There are Big Brothers Big Sisters offices on Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu.Click here to contact your local island agency.
What is your greatest need? We need volunteers. Particularly, male volunteers. And to keep those mentoring relationships going, we need funds to do it. The bottom line - more mentors, more dollars. With additional funds, we can offer more services to children in need.
Why do you need more male mentors? Predominantly, females volunteer more often and at a greater rate than their counterparts. Most of the children waiting for a mentor are boys (about 65 percent) and they could use a positive adult male to look up to. Most of these boys are from female-headed households and have no close male role models. That's why we focus our recruitment toward males.
How many kids do you serve? We serve more than 1,400 children and volunteers annually in our mentoring programs. As a full-service agency, we reach thousands of area children through our efforts annually.
How will I be matched with my Youth? The application and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences and learn about the situation best suited for you. You also get to know us and learn what to expect. In making your match, we take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background and location. The final decision about a match is always yours.
How do Youths come into the program? Children and parents may hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters from a teacher, counselor, church or friend who has a mentor; commercials; anywhere. Remember when you were young? How cool would it have been to have had a mentor?!
Who are the Youths in the program? Our youths come from various types of home environments and family structures, different socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across our entire community. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, they they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.
Do the mentoring programs cost anything? No. You don't have to spend money. This program is about developing a relationship with a Youth. We encourage no-cost or low-cost activities to do together like going to the beach, hiking, etc. We don't have an annual membership fee and we even provide volunteers with a list of fun, free activities to do.
How will I know I made a difference? You might not see results right away. Mentoring relationships take time to build trust. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are supported by Match Coaches to help monitor their relationships. These professionals will help you see the difference you make in the life of a Youth, including increased self-esteem, becoming more outgoing, expanded interests and better grades in school. You can be instrumental in helping a child succeed.
Can I volunteer if I travel for work? All of our programs ask for a one-year commitment. We've found time consistency to be one of the most important elements in being an effective mentor. Many of our mentors fit their relationships with their flexible lifestyles. And some of our programs are perfect for that busy corporate traveler. It's making the right program choice for your lifestyle that counts.
Can I volunteer if I'm in college? Absolutely. Being a Mentor can greatly add to your collegiate experience. You have flexible time and spending that time with a Youth would work well with a class schedule. As a matter of fact, we'd love to meet some of your college friends and introduce them to the idea of mentoring. (By the way, some colleges offer credit for community service when you volunteer, so check with your campus career office or volunteer center).
When can I see my Youth? You and your youth - and their parent - decide the best times for your match to meet. Keep a consistent schedule and see each other at least twice a month to establish a genuine relationship and comfort level. The length of outings will depend on the comfort levels of Mentor, Youth and parent. If your Youth is young, it's best to start with short outings.
What is the match support team? The match support team is a group of specialists who can help you develop your friendship, address any questions, concerns, or problems, and give you guidance throughout your match. The team can help you understand what's happening in your friendship and flag problems before they start. They can also be a helpful link to resources.
How much money should I spend? We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies often offer group activities that are a great way to meet other Mentors and Youths! You may also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural and sporting activities.
Can I bring my partner/friend/family member on outings? In the beginning, it's important for you and your Youth to get to know each other. This happens best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it's also valuable for your Youth to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Youth may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Youth. The local agency you work with may also have specific guidelines to assist you.
What kinds of activities should I avoid at first?
Commercial "fun" stores: Gameworks, Boomers, Dave & Busters - These can be really fun places, but costly. Save these for special occasions only, such as birthdays, good grades, etc., and only if you choose this as an okay activity.
Movies: It’s important to communicate while engaged in a common interest with your Youth, which is hard to do at a movie. When you do go, be sure to share your reactions and thoughts of what you saw after the show.
Shopping: Avoid this as an activity unless you both agree on the purpose and goal, such as how make a sound purchase for a Mother's Day gift or spend an allowance wisely. If you choose to shop, set limits as you would with any child who, confronted with enticing displays, wants something they cannot have.
What if my Youth doesn’t talk to me at first? Some children aren’t used to having an attentive listener and are uncomfortable talking. Here are some pointers:
Use humor to get conversations going; there’s nothing like a good laugh to break the ice. (Your match support team can give you great tips on this).
Keep intermittent eye contact; look at your Youth when they are talking, and smile when it’s appropriate. When your Youth is talking, make sure they know you are not distracted. Be an active listener by using phrases like "Tell me more about that", "What happened next?", "How did you feel?" (Not: "Why did/didn’t/won’t you?", "How could you?", etc.)
Be aware of your body language and facial expressions. Avoid folding your arms, rolling your eyes, frowning or otherwise showing disapproval.
How can I be an effective Big?
Understand that your role is to be a friend. Our Youths already have caring teachers and parental figures in their lives. Effective Mentors add the simple, but powerful, element of someone who freely chooses to be part of a child's life, someone who likes and respects them, and believes in their potential.
Accept your Youth and their family as they are. It’s not about changing what is already there, but about impacting their lives in a positive way.
Listen - really listen. Actively try to get your Youth to talk about what's important to them. Remember what your Youth said or shared, and follow up with interest.
Keep your promises and stick to your schedule. Make a commitment to your Youth and show them that your time together is valuable and important.
Understand that this relationship can often look and feel one-sided. Sometimes it may feel like you are making all of the plans and all of the calls. That’s okay. Consistently initiating contact and making plans will help develop trust and show your Youth that you care about them.
Involve your Youth in deciding what to do with your time together. Take time to see what kinds of things your Youth likes to do. It makes the Youth feel like you really care about them.
Believe in magic. When having fun is a priority, you both get to explore new ideas and share experiences neither of you might otherwise have - that's where the magic is.
Put friendship first. Improved grades, attitudes and behaviors will come with time.
Keep in contact with your match support team. Successful Mentors recognize that sometimes they don’t have all of the answers. Your support team will help you understand what's happening in your relationship so that you can prevent problems from developing down the road.
What will I learn from my Youth? Youths may come from living situations, family backgrounds, religions and cultures different from yours. Take turns learning about each other’s family and/or cultural traditions, and learn about your Youth's life, environment, and perspective on the world from the start. Remember: as a friend, you add to your Youth’s values - you don't change the ones they have.
Some Youths have experienced trauma or loss in their lives. Young people (and adults, too!) don’t always have the words to express how they feel, or even know why they feel the way they do. Understand that your Youth may not see the world the same way, or be as carefree, as other children you know. Sometimes children do or say the opposite of what they really mean because they’re confused or scared of getting hurt. Your match support team is there to help with situations like this and to give sound advice on what you’re experiencing. Keep an open mind. You may not agree with the choices your Youth, or their family is making, but your role is to listen and be a friend. By example, your Youth will learn that there are many positive ways to approach situations and make choices in life. Children are strongly affected by the behavior and values of the people they admire and look up to. By example as a responsible caring adult, you add choices to your Youth’s future and make a positive impact in their life.
