6 Fool Proof Tips: How to Talk to Your Friends About Mentoring
You’ve all heard time and time again that we need more volunteers, particularly males in the Greater Boston Community. And time and time again, we ask (sometimes beg!) our current Bigs to help us refer their friends, co-workers, and family members. We’ve gotten some feedback that sometimes these conversations are easier said than done. We get it. It’s difficult to put into words the impact you’re having on a child and it’s even more difficult to talk to someone who is unfamiliar with the program or has questions that you aren’t prepared to answer.
In order to help our mentors through these conversations, we thought it would be helpful to make a list of talking points. Being our greatest advocates, you can really help with getting our name out to your friends in the Greater Boston community, and referring them to our program. Here are a few methods and talking points you can use, IF you’re comfortable, to help spread the word of becoming a Big!
1) Time commitment
A few hours a day, twice a month, for one year. That is all it takes to become a Big Brother. Making an impact is as simple as picking up the phone and setting up a time to hang out. They can be whenever and wherever is convenient for both of you. Do you normally get pizza on Thursdays and watch football on Sundays? Invite your Little along with you, and have some fun together! These small moments are what make a difference.
2) We pick a Little suited towards your interests
You’ve explained to your friends how great being a Big is, but now they are worried about what they will do with their new friend or if they’ll even have anything in common. Tell them not to worry, because our match team assures they will be matched with someone with common interests, so finding things to do together will not be hard! Want to visit the Museum of Science and conduct some of your own experiments? Well, guess what? So does your Little!
3) Little to no cost
Being a Big Brother doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Getting together just requires a few hours, twice a month doing things you both enjoy. You can simply play catch and watch the game on TV, or go out and grab a slice and see a movie. It’s all up to you. We can also help, as our generous partners offer discounts and free activities to matches. You can also find ideas for things to do here.
4) Nostalgia
Yeah, the college life is fun and all, but who wouldn’t want to go back and be a kid again? Well, by becoming a Big you get a chance to relive those moments you felt as a child. You can have a Pokemon battle, pretend your catching a game-winning touchdown, or just watch some Pixar movies all with your Little.
5) Set-up a group information session
Having trouble spreading the word? Don’t worry because we can help. Whether it’s your workplace, fraternity, or pick-up basketball team, we can set up an information session to help you explain everything about being a Big Brother. Just contact us here.
6) Simply share your experience
We understand you may be uncomfortable using some of these talking points, and that’s not a problem. Simply sharing the experiences you’ve had as a Big Brother makes all of the difference. Talk about the memories and laughes you’ve had together and just how awesome it is making an impact! This doesn’t even have to come in the form of a conversation either. Instead, make an effort to post more photos of the two of you on social media.
Here are our accounts to tag us in and stay connected on. We’ll do our best to share as well!
Do you have any other tips for recruiting friends to become Bigs? Leave a comment below and help spread the word!
Free Fact Sheet
10 Things for Parents to Know
Children s safety is our number one priority; throughout the duration of the match, not just the beginning!
