It’s not about homework! This is a program that takes place at the child’s school, during the school year. The Big spends one hour per week doing a fun activity or just talking with a child who could use a friend. We encourage employers to give employees the time during the work day to volunteer… studies show that people who volunteer perform better on the job!
The Program
Developed collaboratively between Big Brothers and the Board of Education and with support from businesses and volunteers in the community, the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program matches a caring volunteer with a student to help improve the student's self-esteem, social skills, and/or school interests. The meetings occur once a week, are one hour in duration, and are held on school property.
What is "In-School Mentoring”?
A fun and rewarding program. In-School Mentoring matches adult volunteers male and female (Mentors) with a child (Mentee) in a school environment for one hour a week with the same child during the school year. Building a positive new friendship strengthens a Mentee's self-esteem and school performance; it provides a mentor with the chance to experience the adventure of childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How?
This is a cooperative program between the local school boards, Big Brothers of North Simcoe, and local businesses.
2. Why?
The success of the Big Brother programs is recognized coast to coast. "In-School Mentoring" is a modern way of delivering the traditional program. It is based on the same principles but is often more compatible with the volunteer's busy schedules.
3. Who Participates?
• The Children
Mentees are children who are ideally between the ages of 7 and 9 who would benefit from the friendship of a caring adult. Mentees are children who could realize their potential by learning to feel good about themselves.
• The Mentor
Any caring, responsible adult, men or women can make the difference. Mentors are all ages and come from all walks of life.
• The Employer
A key component of the program is the employer. Providing a working atmosphere that allows flextime assists a person's ability to commit to the program.
Training
All volunteers accepted as Mentors will attend training session(s). This training will take place at the Big Brothers office, 67 Fourth St. Midland, prior to being matched with a mentee.