Make a Bigger Difference!
Did you know that we have hundreds of children in Greater Boston on our waiting list looking for a mentor? Research shows that volunteers who were referred to our program by their friends (active or alumni Bigs) are more likely to get matched and have longer impactful matches.
The kids on our waiting list need your help.
You know first-hand how amazing this program is, so help share your story. We put together these tools and materials to help you spread the word about BBBSMB:
- Sample Talking Points:
- How to know a great potential Big when you meet one
- What should I say about being a Big and the organization?
- Common misconceptions you can tackle about being a Big
- How to talk about your match
- Sample social media posts
- Sample email templates to make it that much easier for you
Jared Steinberg has been matched to Tyrone since 2011. He has also referred many volunteers that have led to more children getting Bigs.
“My motivation in sharing about Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the excitement my Little Brother has shown me from the beginning of our friendship. The connection we have is one of the most meaningful and positive things I have ever known, so I want as many people as possible have that same experience.”
How do you know a great potential Big when you meet one?
Think about yourself, your friends, family, colleagues, and the other Bigs you know. There’s no cookie-cutter age, ethnicity, education level, lifestyle, or background for volunteers and the majority of your loved ones and co-workers would likely be a perfect fit for our program.
What should I say about being a Big and the organization?
Be yourself, say what feels right and explain what you do with your little. Share your experiences with the process. Share the impact you have had personally & professionally, and focus on the fun aspects of being a Big. Share funny stories/experiences, photos, the nostalgia you’ve felt from your own childhood, the list goes on.
misconceptions
Misconceptions you can tackle if you want:
Time: A few hours, twice a month, for one year. That is seriously all it takes to be a Big.
Cost: The program only costs as much as YOU want it to. Being a Big is about doing the simple and invaluable things that money can’t buy. This can even help your Little in learning how to have fun within a budget that is realistic.
You’re not a parent: As a mentor, you aren’t a surrogate parent or a babysitter you’re a friend that happens to be an adult role model and the organization works really hard to help you develop a relationship that’s comfortable for everyone involved.
We propose matches based on shared interests: We have a careful, thoughtful process of matching Bigs and Littles that share similar interests and have fitting personalities. Ultimately, our volunteers and families will decide to work together. The choice is yours!
Sharing on Social Media
Share a photo of you and your Little doing something fun together. Pictures are powerful!
- “Today (Little’s name) and I went to their first Red Sox Game! (share a funny quote, memory, etc.). Thanks (tag) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay for the free tickets!”
- “As many of you know, I’ve been a Big Brother/Sister for the past ___ months/years. If anyone has ever thought about it, please let me know. It’s been a great experience so far and I’d love to help more Littles like __________ get a Big.”
- “You make time for people and things that matter to you. Not only do I have a new friend, but I’m making a difference too!”
- “No pressure, but if any of you out there are interested in Big Brothers Big Sisters, please let me know! They are always looking for Bigs and if I can help one more kid like my Little Brother/Sister _________, it’ll all be worth it”.
LinkedIn (@Big Mass)
- “Thank you (Company Name) for hosting (tag) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay! Thank you for supporting our mission and engaging your company in our mentoring opportunities throughout the community.”
- “Attention (geographic region): (tag) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay is currently in need of volunteers. Sign up today and refer a friend to defend the potential of the youth in our communities!”
Sample from an actual Big:
“Anisah and I have now been matched for a little over a year! For a special treat to celebrate our anniversary, I had her come over to my house (I live farther away than most matches) and finally meet my fiancé. They bonded immediately and even went twinning with matching T-shirts and sundaes. Completely warmed my heart to bring them together!”
Twitter (@MassBayBigs)
- “Had an awesome time with my @BBBSMB Little Brother/Sister _________ today. We got to go to his/her first Red Sox Game together!”
- “Had a great time with _________ today. Got a day? #AddALittle”
- “Being a @BBBSMB Big has been (share your experience). #AddALittle you could make a difference too.”
- Sample from an actual Big: “Took my little to Monsters Mini Golf for our outing. So fun! @BBBSMB”
Instagram (@MassBayBigs):
- “Had an awesome time with my @BBBSMassBay Little Brother/Sister _________ today. We got to go to their first Red Sox Game together!”
- “Being a @BBBSMB Big has been (share your experience). #AddALittle you could make a difference too.”
- Sample from an actual Big: “Today marks 1 year with this little dude. I’m honored to be your “best friend” @BBBSMassBay.”
Snapchat:
- Post stories of your experiences for all your friends to see in real-time what it’s like to be on an outing. Video of what you’re doing. Have your Little say something to your friends about how fun it is having a Big.
Sample Emails
Hey _________,
Just wanted to follow up with you per our previous conversation about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mass Bay. I really think you’d have a lot of fun and you’d be a great fit. Let me know if you want more info and I can send you to the right people.
-Your Name
Hey _________,
As you know, I’ve been a Big Brother/Sister for a few months now, and they are looking for more Bigs to volunteer. I really think you’d have a lot of fun. [Insert Info about your Little and how you have liked the program so far].
Let me know if you want any more info about it or have any questions. Their website has a lot of good info too. Check it out! https://www.bbbsmb.org/volunteer/why-become-a-big/.
Best,
-Your Name
Hey _________,
As you know, I’ve been a Big Brother/Sister for a few months now, and they are looking for more guys to volunteer. I really think you’d have a lot of fun. [Insert Info about your Little Brother and how you’ve like the program so far].
Let me know if you want any more info about it or what you think? Their website as a lot of good info too: https://www.bbbsmb.org/volunteer/why-become-a-big/.
Best,
-Your Name