I am completely stepping away from my usual themes of getting organized and operating a home-based business, but I feel justified for several reasons.
- It’s the weekend.
- Even business owners have a personal life.
- It has to do with serving the community, which should always be relevant.
I came across a blog posting today from someone who is considering becoming a Big Sister and asking for comments from those who have done it. Unfortunately, that particular blog doesn’t allow comments from non-members, so I’m hoping pi-hole of Vancouver might find her way here as I would like to share my experience as a Big Sister with her.
The process to become a Big Sister is very extensive and takes several months. After attending an information session, I had to complete a very detailed and very personal questionnaire and supply three references and a medical form. They will also do a criminal reference check on you and everyone in your household. I think it took nearly nine months between the time of my initial contact and the time I was finally matched with my Little Sister. I understood the reason for all of these precautions - after all, you are going to be spending time with a child - but it felt fairly intrusive and it was definitely stressful waiting to find out whether I was approved.
They ask for a minimum time commitment - it was quite a while ago now, so my memory’s a little fuzzy, but I think they asked for you to commit to spend 4-6 hours a week with your Little Sister for at least 6 months (it might have been 18 months). I knew lots of Big Sisters who didn’t see their Little Sisters every week, but I think it’s important, especially at the beginning, so you can form a relationship.
One of pi_hole’s questions was "what sort of stuff would you do with a little sister, besides going to a movie and getting food or going shopping?" Those were definitely frequent activities for us! We also participated in a number of activities that were offered by the organization, including Christmas and Halloween parties, Bingo night, crafts nights, and field trips. One of the highlights was the day we went up in a small airplane and my Little Sister got to take a turn at the controls.
Sometimes she just came over to my house and we worked on crafts or played on the computer (which was still somewhat of a novelty at that time). We also went bowling, roller skating, and swimming, and once we went to a dollhouse show (we were working on a dollhouse at the time). I even brought her with me to family gatherings and family events put on by my employer. I usually covered any expenses but they did suggest that you could cost share with the parent(s) on occasion. We often received free tickets to events such as movies, ice shows, magic shows and the circus, which were sponsored by local businesses. (This is why, when I was recently contacted by the Lions Club to purchase tickets to a laser show, to be donated to children’s charities, I was happy to do so.)
The types of things you do will of course be determined by what you and your Little Sister enjoy, and they do try to match you with someone with whom they think you will be compatible.
Pi_hole also asked if you have to have a car, and the answer to that is no, but it certainly makes life easier!
One thing they don’t really tell you when you sign up is that once they have you as a volunteer, they will be asking you to support the organization in other ways as well, such as fundraising, representing them at mall displays, and being a Match Monitor. Of course, it is voluntary, but I think it’s important that you be aware of it, and that you be prepared to state how much time you are willing to commit, and what you are and are not willing to do.
All in all, although there were times I found it difficult to make time to see my Little Sister or to think of fun activities for us, it was a fantastic experience in my life. My Little Sister was even one of the bridesmaids at my wedding. Although we drifted away as she got older, we’ve recently re-established contact, and it’s great to see the wonderful adult she has become.
This will be my last entry until October, because I’m actually taking my own advice and taking a long overdue vacation - my first since before I started my business. I’ll be leaving in about 24 hours for the lovely spot pictured here, and all I have left to do is get the car washed and filled with gas, and pack my stuff. 
