Big Brothers/ Big Sisters 16.6

In a park full of swings and slides, Erin Christianson teaches his new little brother some of the basic plays and rules of football.

Christianson, a senior in marketing from Chicago, recently volunteered to be the Big Brother of an 11-year-old boy.

Advertisement

I feel like I am more than a brother to him, Christianson said. We are building a relationship that may last a lifetime. He needed a father figure to help him in the real world, and I wanted to help someone in need.

The national Big Brothers-Big Sisters Program was established in 1904 and was incorporated as part of the Youth Services Program of Southern Illinois Regional Social Services in 1995.

One-third of the area active volunteers are SIUC students.

The program is designed for children ages 6 to 12 from single-parent families living in Jackson and Perry counties.

There have been more than 40 matches between children and Big Brothers or Big Sisters since 1995, 20 of which are extremely active. And among the active matches, 15 have lasted more than a year.

Jennifer Shaw, youth services supervisor for Big Brothers-Big Sisters, said the matches are supposed to last at least a year, and some last a lot longer. Four matches have existed for the past two years.

Shaw said the key to making these relationships last is common interests that are shared.

Advertisement*

It is supposed to be fun, and they should enjoy spending time together, Shaw said. It doesn’t take anything special to make this relationship work. Just have a good time and share.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters spend two to four hours a week with the children doing recreational, social and tutorial activities.

Big Brothers and Sisters are to be incorporated into everyday life and do everyday activities, Shaw said. They do typical kid stuff like going to the park, to the movies and doing homework together.

Sandy Kramer, a senior in English education from La Grange, has been a Big Sister for a month.

It is so rewarding to help a child and to make a difference in their life, she said.

Shaw said college students volunteering is important to the success of the children.

Giving the children the ability to see college students opens their eyes, Shaw said. It makes them want to go to school and shows them what is out there.

A volunteer does not have to have any extra-special qualities, Shaw said.

The most important is to be reliable and consistent, Shaw said. You have to be there for the kids when you say that you are going to be there, and be able to plan activities with the kids.

We have received very positive results. We want to give everyone the same opportunities and show then that we really care a lot.

Christianson said the Big Brothers and Big Sisters have lasting effects on children’s lives.

I already see myself looking at things differently, Christianson said. If you volunteer time, it sheds a light on a life.

When my brother and I spend time together, I am helping him out. I think that I am able to give him a better outlook on life as a whole.

Kramer said being in the program reminds her of childhood.

Being a Big Sister reminds me to take time to play, Kramer said. The eyes in which children view the world are so innocent. Adults get so caught up in responsibilities, and this way I get to take time to play.

FACTOID:To volunteer to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, call the Southern Illinois Regional Social Services at 457-6703.