Siblings is a one-on-one mentoring program that matches BU students (Big Sibs) with children (Little Sibs) from two neighboring elementary schools who are recommended by their teachers or parents for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the children struggle with difficulties at home; other times they have difficulties interacting with their peers at school.
The hope is that Siblings volunteers will become a positive, constant figure in the Little Sibs life- someone that the Little Sibs can trust, rely on, look up to and most importantly someone they can have fun. Siblings does require a full year commitment from all volunteers. It is incredible to see how the few hours a week the Little Sibs spend with their Big Sibs can influence their attitude and their outlook on life. Their time spent with Big Sibs is often the highlight of their week and something that they look forward to.
Big Sibs also find this time very rewarding because it is a time to let go of the stresses of school and focus their energy on someone else, a time to lose themselves in being a kid again.
Please click here to download the Siblings Program brochure.
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Who will I be mentoring? |
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The Little Siblings come from Winship and Garfield Elementary Schools in Brighton. The majority of the Little Sibs are aged between 7 and 10 (second to fifth grade), but some are as young as six (first grade). The kids can be signed up for the program by their parents, but many are recommended by their teachers. Siblings provides the children with a chance to spend one-on-one time with a college student who serves as a positive role model and becomes a good friend. |
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How often do I meet with my Little Sibling? |
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It is required to meet with your Little Sib three to five hours every two weeks and attend a short (one hour or less) meeting every other week with other Big Siblings facilitated by a Peer Leader. (A Peer Leader is someone who has been in the program for at least one year and works in the Community Service Center, alongside the Program Managers.) Siblings also plans monthly events, which are a great opportunity to hang out with your Little Sib and interact with other Big and Little Sib pairs. |
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How do I apply to be a Big Sibling? |
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Applications will be available in September in the Community Service Center. Simply pick one up, fill it out, and return it by the due date. When you return it, sign up for a group interview time so we can get to know you better, ensuring a good match between you and your Little Sib. A training Day will then follow in October. |
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How does the matching process work? |
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We try our best to match you with a Little Sib with similar interests, such as sports, art, or watching movies. On your application, you will be asked your preference between a boy and a girl Little Sib and what age group you would ideally like to work with. In order to make the best match possible, all of the Little Sibs are interviewed as well. |
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For more information on volunteering with Siblings, please contact:
Rachel Mennies and Tal Raizer
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Fourth Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-353-4710
Fax: 671-353-9424
Email: siblings@bu.edu
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