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Discounts for
Matches
Activities
for Matches
Focus
On
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Giving
“Giving kids
clothes and
food is one thing but it's much more important to teach them that other
people besides themselves are important, and that the best thing they
can do with their lives is to use it in the service of other people.”
--Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, labor
leader and organizer, social activist, and mother.
Every Big Brother
and
Big Sister knows about the power of giving. That’s why you
volunteer. How can we pass that value along to Little Brothers
and Sisters? From encouraging sharing to committing to an ongoing
volunteer project, every match can incorporate a little more of the
“giving spirit” into their time together.
Friendship = Giving
Have you ever
talked to
your Little about your volunteer work as a Big, and why you got
involved? Some Littles may have never really considered why you are
spending time with them. Be open with them about your hope that
your time together makes you both stronger and happier people.
Tell them about what you learn when you hang out with them. Let
them know that by being your friend they are contributing something
special to your life. Help your Little find ways of expressing
their positive feelings about their friends and family to those people.
Sharing = Giving
Find opportunities
for
sharing in your match activities. Let the people behind you in
line go first. Hold the door for someone. Get an extra treat when you
are out for cookies or ice cream and make a big deal out of taking it
back for your roommate. Spend a night making holiday presents for
your Little’s family.
Volunteering = Giving
Kids make great
volunteers because:
•
They
tend to be enthusiastic about any job that lets them feel grown up and
useful.
•
They
believe they can make a difference.
•
They
get a lot back from giving. Seeing the power they have to help out can
bolster their self-esteem. They are able to have the chance to
work alongside adults in a setting that emphasizes sharing and respect.
Consider these points before you choose a “giving” activity for your
match:
•
Make
it fun. If your Little doesn't enjoy the activity, any learning
opportunities will be lost.
•
Keep
in mind your Little’s physical ability and attention span.
•
Involve your Little in the decision. Consider their strengths and
interests as much as possible.
•
Inform any volunteer organization you contact that you want to
volunteer as a match.
•
Seek
out direct, hands-on ways of giving.
•
Find
something you genuinely like. If a particular activity doesn't seem
right after trying it once or twice, try something else.
Some ideas for
volunteering
as a match:
•
Raise pledges for BBBS’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraising event together.
•
Join
in a community clean-up day.
•
Help
your Little make cookies or brownies for a bake sale at her or his
school.
•
Make
arrangements with the animal shelter to go in and play with the animals.
•
Have
your Little help you get together items to take to Goodwill.
•
Visit a nursing home.
•
Shovel a neighbor’s driveway.
•
Contact a local non-profit about volunteer opportunities. For agency
information, visit www.unitedwayjc.org, www.icpl.org, or
www.volunteermatch.org.
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