I was just curious if there was any "Bigs" out there? I have been a Big Brother off and on for about 25 years. My current "Little", Tyler just turned 13, and is doing much better at school since we were matched up three years ago. That is not the only thing about being a "Big" though. It has really given him a better feel about himself, and someone to talk to about things that he wouldn't talk to his mom about, (his birth father is in TX). He shares the same interests as I do, which is one of the things that is great about this organization.

This is one organization that people should consider becoming involved in, as it will impact us all in the future! We can have some imput into who will grow up to lead our contry, or sit back and watch what happens???

 

Timber,,, Can you give a little more info on how the program works? Like are you obligated to a certain amount of time to spend with the kids or what? I have always thought about being a big brother but my work schedule in the summer is so crazy, I couldn't promise a lot of time, all the time ya know? The last thing I want to do is disappoint a kid in an aready bad situation.

Thanks,


BREW

 

Well, they recommend at least an hour a week, but most boys, and the people that run each local chapter, are glad for any time that can be contributed. The local chapters usually have some special events also for "Bigs & Littles" to attend together. We just had one a couple weeks ago with a local manufacturing company where we made kites out of straws, light paper, and string. Our local "Director" does a monthly check-up with me to see how things are going, but they don't, to my knowledge anyway, check to make sure you are spending an hour every week. Everybody's schedules are different, and the "little's" mom/dad would probably appreciate whatever time could be accomodated. This is not like a glorified baby-sitting organization, you get together when you can to do anything the two of you like, fish, hunt, schoolwork, talk, go to a movie etc. I think that if you would go online, or to your local chapter, they would be very appreciative of what time you could give. There may be a boy that is only able to do things at certain times, or is around certain times of the year. Mine is usually down with his dad in TX for a month or so in the summer, and has been switching back and forth during the school year even! Kind of a screwed up situation if you ask me, but I, along with the Director have discussed this with the mom, that it is not good for the kids, (there is a sister involved also), to constantly be moving back and forth, switching schools in the middle of the semester etc. Right now the sis is down in TX, and Tyler is here, don't know how long that will last??? Every situation is different, so just get involved and do what you can do. I know my "little", Tyler wants to spend as much time with me as he can, especially fishing, but I just tell him that I have things to do also. They are just STARVING for attention for the most part. As I said earlier, just go down and see what they can work out. They do "Extensive" background checks on all "Bigs", so getting the process started now will probably result in a "match" around the first of the year, if everything goes according to plan.

I have NEVER been pressured to spend more time, the mom's have been very good about that, and so have the BB/BS organization.

 

When I was young I was a "Little" as you call it.. Not all these kids come from "bad" situations, some, like me, just had no father figure that wanted to step up to the plate.

I met a great "big" and we were matched for quite a number of years until I was older, and his own family started getting bigger, so the need on both sides was quite satisfied and we both were able to say 'cya another time'.

 

I do not recall ever saying that any kids came from "bad" situations. The whole purpose of the BB/BS is to give the "little" an adult figure to fill in the gap from the father/mother that is missing. My little brother is not a "bad" young man by any means. I'm really not getting what you are trying to say here, other than the fact that you were in the program and benefited from it?

 

There's been a mix up, here.

 

BBBS is a great organization. I actually just did a speech on the organization for a public speaking class. I am slowly getting involved. Its just taking a while because of school and work but I will be a big soon! Cant wait!

 

I believe he is referring to the "bad" situation at home, without a set of parents? He is wanting to help, but not disappoint the kid anymore than he already might be.