Be a Big Friend
School-Based Mentoring
Big Friend Requirements
Age: At least 16 years old
Application Process:
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Fully complete and submit Big Friend application
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Provide four potential references
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Schedule an in-person interview
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Provide proof of a driver's license
*Final approval for all applications is dependent on the successful completion of a criminal background check
Approved Mentor Expectations
Time Commitment:
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Mentor will meet with the Little once a week for at least one hour during the school year
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Mentor will commit to mentoring for at least one year
Communication:
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Mentor will communicate with the BFLF office about how the match is going
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Mentor will communicate with the Little's teacher if they are not going to be able to attend mentoring
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Mentor will work with the Little Friend to complete activities at the school both parties will enjoy
Get a Big Friend
School-Based Mentoring
Little Friend Requirements
To receive services from the Big Friend Little Friend mentoring program, a child must:
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Be enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade.
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Attend a school in the Mitchell community.
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Have a desire to participate in the program.
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Receive parent/guardian consent to participate.
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The needs of the child must be appropriate for volunteer intervention as determined by the Big Friend Little Friend staff.
Guidelines for determining eligibility include:
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Has poor self-esteem
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Culturally and/or economically disadvantaged
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Exhibits poor social skills
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Has few friends his/her own age
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Lacks adequate support and attention of a stable adult
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Is an underachiever academically
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Is overly dependent on a parent
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Has a sibling who has had significant problems with social or community adjustments
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Is insecure and does not trust adults
A child may not be accepted if:
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Contact with the child's parent is frequent, consistent, and appropriate
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The child receives adequate contact or role modeling from another source on a regular basis
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The child's problems are so severe that services from a volunteer mentor are inappropriate or inadequate
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The parent/guardian is unwilling to give their consent for the child to participate
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The child is unwilling to participate
