Needs From: United Way of the Wabash Valley

10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU VOLUNTEER TO BE A BIG:

1. Make sure you can give at least one year to the program, along with 4 hours a month. Research shows that kids matched for over a year are more likely to stay in school and avoid risky behaviors.

2. You will need transportation to participate in community activities.

3. We match you with your Little Brother or Little Sister based on your likes and interests, not from a waiting list.

4. Think about what times/days out of the week you would prefer to spend with your "Little." Weekends tend to work out the best for everyone, but ultimately our program is flexible to fit your schedule needs.

5. Do you have any big life events coming up in your life? Make sure your significant other is supportive of you being in the program!

6. Are you employed? Do you have any plans to change jobs within the next year? Location is a huge factor for successful matches, so we want to make sure you are staying in the area.

7. We have multiple kids waiting for a "Big." If you have the flexibility, ask about the locations that have the highest need.

8. You do not necessarily need experience with kids to be a Big. We provide you with the tools and training you need throughout the friendship to help you through every obstacle.

9. We want you to go into your match with realistic expectations. Your Little wants a friend to hang out with and talk to. The key is to focus on building your friendship before changing their lives.

10. Matching you with a Little could take some time, but be patient. Speed along the process by getting your recommendations together and clearing time in your schedule for an interview at our office.

YOU WILL NEED TO:

a. Pass a background check.

b. Provide proof of car insurance.

c. Proper Indiana ID

d. $25 application fee

To request to be a Big, go to bbbs.org and sign up!!!

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Site-Based Mentoring Programs

Assist the Site Coordinator with the site-based mentoring programs, family and volunteer recruitment and training, family and volunteer support, as well as program support.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Assist with planning, preparing and implementing activities for site-based mentoring programs including homework assistance, relationship-building activities, as well as activities to build reading and math skills of elementary school students.

2. Observe and assist with family and volunteer interviews.

3. Assist with planning, preparing and implementing regular activities for the matches and/or waiting list families including activities designed to strengthen relationships.

4. Assist with planning, designing, and distributing recruiting tools for volunteers and families.

5. Assist with volunteer and family training targeted t specific areas of need identified through match support including relationship-strengthening, academic performance, accessing community services, and personal confidence.

Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays 1:00 - 5:00 PM (additional hours if available)

Background check required.

1-2 volunteers per month needed, age 15+. June through August, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Work directly as an aid to the Coordinators of Camp Rave. Responsibilities include:

Background check required.

Signed waiver required.

Work directly as an aid to the Coordinator of the Out of School Club (for elementary-aged children) during the academic school year (August through May), Monday through Thursday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM and Friday 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM.  Responsibilities include:

Background check required

Signed waiver required

1 to 2 volunteers, age 18+, through Vigo County School Corporation School Year, Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Work directly as assistant to CASY School Age Program Cook.

Background check required.

Signed waiver required. 

1 to 2 volunteers, age 18+. June 3rd to August 4th, Monday through Friday, any hours from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Work directly as assistant to CASY School Age Program Cook.

Background check required.

Signed waiver required. 

Teen Court is a real courtroom and part of the Vigo County Judicial system targeted at first-time offenders and designed as a type of deferral program. Cases heard in Teen Court include charges such as shoplifting, possession of alcohol, criminal mischief, and many other misdemeanor offenses. The Court, comprised of teenage attorneys and jurors, along with the adult judge, agrees upon a constructive sentence deemed appropriate. 

Judges should be a local attorney willing to donate 2 hours twice a month (5-7PM) for Teen Court during the school year. Short training required.

Camp RAVE | Chances And Services for Youth [removed]// [removed] [removed][removed]

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Camp Rave is a fun-filled summer with educational and recreational activities, including environmental discovery, arts, character development, literacy, health and wellness, and much more. Located at Chances And Services for Youth, Camp RAVE is open to any self- sufficient youth who has just completed Kindergarten through Fifth grade. Camp RAVE operates in the summer (after school is out), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A Guest Speaker can make a presentation, provide interactive learning experience, or include hands-on experiences that children can participate in (animals, STEM, etc.)

Teen Court is a real courtroom and part of the Vigo County Judicial system. Cases heard in Teen Court include charges such as shoplifting, possession of alcohol, criminal mischief, and many other misdemeanor offenses. Teens, 6th grade through 12th grade, have the opportunity to participate as jurors and/or attorneys. Teen attorneys are selected from those who participate in the training sessions. Waiver required for all participants. Training required.