1. Although it is wonderful when a great volunteer feels like an extension of your family, please remember that the relationship that exists is between your child (“Little”) and the Big Brother or Big Sister (“Big”). Do not ask the Big to take other family members on outings with the Little.
2. The purpose of your child’s Big is not to provide non-outing related transportation, to discipline your child, to be a gift-giver or to provide babysitting services to you. Please do not treat him or her as such.
3. Activities of your child and the volunteer are to take place away from your home. All activities are to have your approval in advance.
4. The volunteer does not assume parental responsibility. Problems in the home, school and community continue to be the responsibility of the parent. These problems, as well as other family problems, should first be discussed with the Match Support Specialist and then perhaps with the volunteer if appropriate.
5. Have your child ready when the Big arrives. You should know each time your child and his or her Big go on an outing together, and know where they are going and approximately when they expect to return. Please make a point of being home when they return.
6. Please don’t discuss your child with the Big in the presence of your child. If you think there is something he or she should know, call him or her when your child is away.
7. The volunteer can most effectively help your child as a friend, rather than as an authority figure. The volunteer cannot make your child behave by his or her presence, but can help your child want to behave through building the friendship.
8. Be flexible and remember the Big has a busy schedule too. Be patient if the Big makes any oversights. The Big is a trained volunteer but is not perfect and is still learning about the relationship, just as you and your child are.
9. Do not deprive the child of a visit with the Big as a means of discipline. The volunteer cannot build a friendship or help guide your child if they cannot spend time with him or her.
10. Get to know your child’s Big to the degree that you feel comfortable with. Give the relationship time to develop.
11. Try to let the volunteer know that his or her efforts are appreciated. Help your child be considerate (i.e. remembering birthdays, making occasional phone calls, etc.).
12. You and your child are expected to discuss problems with the staff and sincerely work out solutions.
13. Your feelings and observations are important to us in evaluating the effectiveness of the friendship between your child and the Big, and in determining how the staff can support you and make the best use of our service.
14. If there is anything about the relationship that concerns you, contact your Match Support Specialist immediately. The volunteer is also required to discuss any concerns with the Match Support Specialist, especially as it relates to child safety and/or abuse prevention.
15. All major decisions regarding the match relationship should be discussed with your Match Support Specialist. Big Brothers Big Sisters services are a team effort!