1. What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
2. What qualifications do I need?
3. What is the level of commitment involved?
4. How long will I be asked to volunteer?
5. Do I have to spend any money?
6. What sort of support will I receive for the agency?
7. How intrusive is the background check?

If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to make a BIG difference in the life of a child, Big Brothers Big Sisters may be just what you are looking for. Every child deserves to have a person in his or her life to count one... someone who will take the time to listen, to help develop a positive self-image, enhance their sense of well-being and provide hope and encouragement. Since 1967, our agency has been in the business of forming friendships between caring, responsible adults, like you and children primarily from single-parent homes throughout Wood County.

We hear from former "Little Brothers" and "Little Sisters" all the time, who credit their "Big" with having a dramatic effect on their lives. As a volunteer, you can subtly influence a child's interest in a life-long hobby; help a child avoid alcohol or drugs, and put hope into his or her future.

Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old or a high school graduate, have access to transportation and enjoy being with children. You must also be dependable and responsible. Mature 16 and 17 year-olds can also become Big Brothers or Big Sisters if they have a valid driver's license and parental support. Volunteers in the School Buddy Program do not need to be 18 or older or have a valid driver's license.

As a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, you are free to decide your own meeting schedule with your "Little". The days and time you spend with your "Little" are up to you, we ask only that you maintain consistent contact. Ideally, the child would appreciate an opportunity to spend three to four hours with your "Little" every week to 10 days. For School Buddies you have a set day and time that you will need with your "Little Buddy". Meeting times are once a week either over a lunch hour, or before or after school.

We require volunteers to commit for at least one year. A School Buddy must commit to that school year. This amount of time allows you to develop trust and stability in your relationship. Remember, many of our children have already lost an important adult in their lives. We don't want our volunteers to disappoint a child by ending a relationship just as it starts to develop.

The only cost to you is your time. But, it's not giving up your time, it's including a child in things you're already planning to do. We encourage volunteers to spend little, if any, money on activities. However, volunteers and their little can be reimbursed for the cost of many activities by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Agency. The only cost to volunteers in the School Buddy Program is your own transportation.

Generally, you, the parent, and child will have monthly contact with your case manager to make sure things are going well with your and your "Little". If you should ever have a question, concern or need advice, and your case manager isn't available, you may call the Executive Director at the Marshfield office (715) 387-6198. Our staff is always available to encourage your relationship in any way we can.

Parents entrust their children to us and rely upon our judgment to ensure that their child will be safe when they spend time with a volunteer. Because our program encourages adults to spend unsupervised time with their "Little", we need to take certain precautions to ensure the child's safety. Don't worry, all information we collect remains in total confidence, and we take into consideration your age at the time of an incident, and current status.