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Do It For the Kids
Big Brother Big Sister Program a Popular Volunteer Option
January 21, 2005, North Dakota State U Spectrum

By MATTHEW R. PERRINE

NDSU, here's your chance to bring a sparkle to a child's eye.

As President Bush proclaims January "National Mentoring Month," there are currently over 70 children in the Fargo-Moorhead area waiting to be matched up with a Big Brother or Big Sister.

"We are in need of volunteers - mainly male volunteers," Marcie Campbell, the case manager for our community's school-based Big Brother Big Sister program, said. "Currently, there is no waiting list for male volunteers in either (the school-based program or the community-based program). There is no waiting list for female volunteers in the school-based program, and approximately a six- to nine-month waiting list in the community-based program."

The two different factions of BBBS only differ slightly. According to Campbell, the school-based program works with children in grades 1 through 6 in two area elementary schools. The kids are referred to the program by their school teacher or guidance counselor, and the commitment for volunteers is only for the school year. It's one day a week for an hour.

The community-based program, on the other hand, serves children between the ages of 6 and 14 in Fargo, West Fargo, Dilworth and Moorhead.

"These children come from single-parent families," she said, "and have limited, if (any), contact with the other parent."

The commitment for this community-based program is one full calendar year, two to three times a month for approximately two to four hours at a time.

To fill the aforementioned volunteer shortage, BBBS often looks toward college students, as they often have flexible schedules - among other things.

"College-aged mentors can bring a lot of energy to a match," Program Coordinator Susan Smith said, "and expose 'Littles' to higher education."

NDSU has at least a handful of students volunteering their time to mentoring area students. Junior Noah Hall explained what it's like to volunteer with BBBS.

"When I first became involved in the program, I wasn't sure what to expect," the mechanical engineering major said. "The more I met with my Little Brother, the more I liked the program."

Hall went on to say that he could "definitely" see himself involved with BBBS after graduating - and even possibly after having kids of his own.

"There is always a big demand for mentors for kids," Hall said, "so I would definitely look for some way to help out."

Senior Cassie Mairs mirrored his sentiment.

"I'm really glad that I became involved with the program and, yes, I think I would like to continue being a part of BBBS even after I graduate," she said. "It's really neat to have someone who looks forward to seeing you every week - even if all you two do together is talk."

NDSU students interested in volunteering are urged to contact BBBS, which operates out of the Village Family Service Center, at 451-4877. Smith said volunteers need to be at least 18 and able to make a one-year commitment to the program. She stressed that there is a need for male volunteers. And although she didn't want to discourage female volunteers, she said they might be on the waiting list for awhile.

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