Date: Ongoing, Year long commitment. Interview 30 minute intake, (bring driver's license and SS card)and attend orientation with Big Brothers/Big Sisters administration (2528 Ball Street). Two references are also required. Meet to mentor a child at a participating GISD School once a week for a minimum of 10 weeks (20 hours). This activity cannot be repeated for credit.

Participation: Participation is open to all students. Contact Helga Patterson directly at 409-763-4638 or hpatterson@gulfcoastbbbs.org

Description:

Work with children from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Become a mentor and positively affect the life of one child through your choice of Two programs:

1. Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring Program. Bring lunch for you and your child (must be purchased, not brought from home) once a week. The School provides games, activities, and a room for you. Assist your child to develop behavioral and academic skills for success.

2. If you wish, you may apply for the Regular Big Brother/Big Sister Program. You have flexibility when you meet and in what you do with your child in this program. For example, you can take your child to the park or beach, a program at the library, etc.

Activities:

1. Apply with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

2. Attend an interview and orientation session with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Background checks and references (and visit to your home are required for the regular program).

3. Participate in one of the programs for a minimum of 10 weeks. The benefit of this program is the one-on-one interaction. You will need to give a commitment to regular meetings for at least two semesters.

4. Meet for periodic session (once every six weeks) to discuss issues and educational goals for your child, the cultural and economic issues affecting your child, and your role as a mentor with other mentors.

5. Share with your child your career goals and career opportunities available with education.

6. Write an essay (not to exceed 300 words) summarizing what you learned about working with this age group, the cultural background, and the economic conditions that affect your child. Evaluate your role as a mentor and state how you will apply what you learned to your profession. This essay is due one month from the time you complete your volunteer commitment.

Activity Objectives: The students will have the opportunity to: