What is a BIG?
A Big is the title given to anyone who volunteers to mentor a child.  Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of our children and youth and assist them in achieving their highest potential primarily through professional supported one to one relationships with caring volunteers.  The goal of the �The Big� is to spend one-on-one time with the child that he or she is matched with.  We want our Bigs�to create a Big Brother or Sister relationship, one that offers advice, provides guidance and shows children how to do things. The role of the Big isn�t to be a substitute parent, but to be a guiding mentor in the life of a child. 

Eligibility:
To be eligible to volunteer as a Big you must met all the following criteria:
�--Be at least 16 years old
--Reside or work in Danville or Pittsylvania County
--Pass a background check to include a minimum of Criminal Protective Service, DMV and Criminal Checks and provide authorization for the agency to gather the information from other agency sources as needed
--Be willing to make a commitment to spend at least an average of one hour a week with a child for at least one year for Community-Based programs or lunch once a week for one school year for School-Based matches.

TYPES OF Matches:

Community Bigs:
Spend 1-2 hours a week mentoring a child between the ages of 6-14 who is in need of a caring adult friend. Go fishing, to the mall, to movies, share a hobby or just hang out. A little time can make a big difference. Volunteers needed in Danville and Pittsylvania County. If you spend one year with a child who needs a mentor, their grades will go from D�s to C�s. Grades continue to improve a letter grade each year they see you Many current children in our program, have gone from struggling in school to the honor roll in only two years.  There are lots of children waiting for a mentor.  There is one that is perfect for you!  Our children come from single parent families in Danville and Pittsylvania County.  They are good kids that just need opportunities to do and see new things.

School Based Bigs:
Spend lunch, once a week, mentoring a child who is in need of an adult friend at a local Elementary or Middle School. Eat lunch, go to the gym, read a book, sit in the little desks, feel like a kid again! Children that have a school based mentor, look forward to school, have fewer disciplinary problems and Opportunities available in Danville and Pittsylvania County in elementary and middle schools.

How to Be Big:  Same process for both a Community or School Based Mentor
Step One: Fill out the Pre-Enrollment for and Application  and send to:
Big Brothers Big Sisters, 308 Craghead St., #104, Danville, VA 24541,
Step Two:  Interview �Our office will call you and set up and interview
Step Three: Criminal Background Check, Protective Service Check and DMV Records               -----This takes four weeks and is the longest part of the process.
Step Four:  Matched with a little � Four weeks from your application you�ll be matched with a child. You�ll meet the child at school or his house, sign the match agreement. Future outings are up to you and the parents or school.

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