EVERY KID HAS POTENTIAL.
By professionally matching children one-to-one with adult mentors (or Bigs), Big Brothers Big Sisters defends that potential. And helps change lives today and forever. All it takes is just a few hours a month to make a BIG difference within the community.
Mentoring is so much fun and many volunteers say the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees. At the end of the day, it’s the little things that make the greatest impact. By showing up, listening, and being a friend, you can positively impact a Little’s path to success.
MORE46 KIDS WAITING
Over the past 3 years, the rate of adolescents in Maine feeling they had the support of an adult other than a parent/guardian or teacher fell from 65% to 51%. And data shows that 1 in 3 people are growing up without a mentor.
The social support a mentor provides is increasingly essential for young people and their families as they continue to navigate post-pandemic life.
Currently, there are 46 kids waiting to be matched with a Big, 33 of which are Little Brothers.
We need more mentors in Southern Maine. Become a Big today!
MENTORS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF MAINE KIDS
| 46% | less likely to experiment with drugs |
| 52% | less likely to skip school |
| 59% | more likely to get better grades |
Community-Based Mentoring
| You and your little meet when and where it’s convenient for both of you. Movies, hiking, model airplanes, or just hanging out—you decide together. | REQUIREMENTS
|
School/Site-Based Mentoring
| You and your Little meet at the same time and place each week. You might shoot hoops, play checkers, or work together on homework. | REQUIREMENTS
|
Mentoring FAQ
Who are the Bigs in the program?
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit.
When can I see my Little?
As a Big/Little team, you decide together what you want to do and then your Little gets approval from his or her parent. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and get together on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide more guidance on this. The outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you.
How much money should I spend?
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!
Can I bring my spouse, a friend, or a family member on outings?
In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters once I get matched?
Once you are matched with your Little, a Program Manager from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
Will I become a replacement parent?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!
BIG NEWS BLOG
The agency is recognized for outstanding team leadership in providing one-to-one mentoring programming for local youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine (BBBSSM) has been recognized as a 2021 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Quality Award Winner....
This year, make a resolution to give back in your community! This National Mentoring Month, sign up to become a Big, and mentor a young person in Southern Maine. Important Dates: January 6 - I Am a Mentor Day January...
