Post #8 Get Involved

One of the best ways to spend time in Topeka is by volunteering or getting involved with the Topeka community. An easy way for college students to get involved is through Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is a program that matches the older volunteer with a younger participant who need a positive role model. A lot of the kids who are looking for a “Big” come from single parent households. The unstableness of their home life causes them to need a positive mentor. The ages of the kids varying from elementary school all the way up to high school. Some of the kids in the program have been on a wait list for a “Big” for over a year.

The process of becoming a “Big” is extensive, but not difficult. There is an application that must be filled out. After that there will be a series of interviews and a background check. If the potential big meets all the requirements, then they will receive a match.

There are two types of matches, community and site. The community based matches allow for the big to take the little out into the community to do activities. The duo is supposed to hangout at least one hour each week. This is not an overwhelming commitment by any means, however it is still meaningful for the “Little.” A site based match is one that centers around what the “Little” at school. The “Big” will go eat lunch, go to recess, and even help in the class room. There are opportunities for outside activities, but are not required for site based matches.

To become a “Big” you can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shawnee county at (785) 234-5524 or visit their office in Topeka at 2300 SW 29^th St. Suite 200.