How to Volunteer
Do you remember the magic?
little moments... BIG MAGIC!!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County would like to bring a little magic into your life. Think back to when you were younger. Other than your parents, who touched your life in some simple but special way? Who was that person you always remember with a smile? Maybe it was your aunt who taught you her "secret" recipe, or your next door neighbor who let you help him fix his car. Or maybe, it was someone who took you to a ball game, or taught you how to play "chopsticks," or showed you how to catch fireflies in a jar. Maybe it was someone who just included you in an everyday activity because it was fun - for both of you.
What is universal about being a Big Brother or Big Sister is that most Bigs start out thinking that they will give something back, yet most end up saying, "I get back as much or more than I give." As a Big, you are simply a friend. It's not about taking time out of your life, but simply about bringing a child alongside it.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is about sharing simple, magical moments like these with a child. Some of us have had a special person who opened doors and widened our horizons on the world. By being a Big you can do the same for a child, and you will both be forever changed by the experience.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is fun and rewarding! The skills required are the ability to have fun and to be a friend. It is the friendship itself that benefits the child most.
To be a volunteer, you must:
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be at least 18 years old
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have a valid California driver's license
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attend an Orientation and Training Session
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spend 45 minutes to 2 hours per week with a child (depending on the program you choose)
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be able to make a 6-month commitment
There are many ways that you can choose to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County.
Community Matches: Volunteers, 18 and older, spend consistent time each week with a child from their local community. Matches are made based on common interests, geographics, and personal preferences of the parent, child and the volunteer.
School Based Matches: Volunteers, 14 and older are matched with a child at a local school and spend time on campus during the school year for 1 - 2 hours a week. Matches work on both academic and personal enrichment.
Foster Teen Mentor Program: Volunteers, 18 and older work with foster youth to improve academic performance and life skills. Youth are located throughout the county at both group and individual foster homes.
Fundraising Committees: Volunteers are always needed to assist with fundraising events throughout the year. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County has an "Adopt A Match" program, Corporate Sponsors, and the Technicolor/Corey Pavin Golf Classic each year to help raise funds to support the program.
Donors: Donations of office supplies, "nearly" up-to-date computer equipment, printing, tickets for "match" activities, and of course, money is always appreciated.
If you want more information about volunteering, please complete all the fields below and click Submit. A staff person will contact you shortly with more information.