How will you match me with a Little? What if my Little doesn’t like me? What if we don’t have anything in common?
These may be a few of the questions in your mind as you are deciding if you want to become a Big. And we get it! Being a Big can be an intimidating commitment but we hope we can ease your worries about the matching process. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, our main priority is to build strong, long-term mentoring relationships. In order to do that, we have a thorough process to create the best possible matches that we can.
During the application and interview process, you will be working closely with a Match Support Specialist. The Match Support Specialist will be asking questions and getting to know you throughout that process. The same can be said for the children and families when they are becoming Littles in our programs. Our staff ensure that a Little wants to participate and is happy to be matched with a Big before they are enrolled in the program. When the time comes, they will match you with a Little in hopes of creating a positive mentoring relationship for both you and the Little.
WHAT DO YOU WISH TO GET OUT OF THE PROGRAM?
One of the first things to think about and something the Match Support Specialist will be interested in knowing is what you wish to get out of the program. For some, they love working with kids and were looking for a way to do that. For others, they are new empty-nesters and realized their once crazy schedules have slowed down and they’d like to give back in this way. And for others, they found the motivation through their own experience of having a mentor in their life growing up and hope to be that for someone else. There is no right or wrong answer. But understanding the motivation behind becoming a Big, will help the Match Support Specialists create a special match.
WHAT DO YOU ENVISION YOUR MENTORING RELATIONSHIP TO LOOK LIKE?
Every relationship we create and help sustain is different. Take a moment and think about what you envision. Do you want to be super active with your Little and take them on hikes, boating, and ice-skating adventures? Do you want to be someone who sits down and helps them with their homework? Do you love listening to people’s thoughts and worries and envision having important conversations with your Little? These are just a few examples and as you build your relationship it will continue to evolve.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES?
We do our best to match you with a Little who shares the same or similar interests and hobbies. We hope by doing this, you’ll find common-ground to build your relationship on. For example, if you both enjoy art, you can visit a museum or attend a paint class together. Having shared interests is a great way to bond with each other.
NEXT STEP
We hope that you now have a better understanding of the matching process. To take the first step and apply to become a Big, click here.
Read our full Guide to Becoming a Big and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest here.