Category: Let's talk
Hi all. I was wondering if any of you have ever volunteered for the Big Brothers Big sisters organization. I'm interested in maybe getting some information, and possibly signing up to become a Big sister. But before I do so, I just wanted to see if anyone else has ever done this. I wanted to post this topic here, because, like myself, a lot of you are blind/visually impaired, so I wanted to hear from others about their experiences.
Hi, LeAnn. I had a Big Sister through them when I was younger. Unfortunately, it didn't work out so well. Her name was Brenda, and most of the time, she was nice. However, she sometimes teased me regarding my blindness. In retrospect, I think she did it to try to make herself more comfortable with me, by making humor out of it. But at that age, I was still pretty sensitive about things, and I felt like she was making fun of me, or trying to trick me, so we never built much trust.
I attempted to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters when I lived in Iowa. However, after the first interview with me, they promised they'd get back to me with a match, and never did. I followed up with them several times, but they blatantly avoided me. Now of course, that doesn't speak for the organization as a whole. The branch where you are might be a lot more open to blind folks being Bigs. I've thought about trying to become a Big again now that I'm in Nebraska, but haven't made up my mind.
One thing that I was worried about, was how the people who are in charge, would feel about someone with a disability doing this sort of thing. That's why I wanted to hear from others who have had thisexperience. I'm so interested in doing it, and I think it's something I'd enjoy a lot. I just wanted to hear other people's stories before I made a move.
I've no experience with this program. Like you its something I've always thought would be fun. in my town though transportation would a big problem. I worked with kids for years as a volunteer with campfire club missionettes and now as a reading tutor. People are always a little unsure how I will interact with kids. But they usually relax. If the program is concerned about safety perhaps you could always go with another big sister or brother on outings.
My guess is that they will want to team you up with a child who is visually impaired or has some disability. That was the response I got from foster children and Boy Scouts when I tried to volunteer several years ago.
At that point you'll have to decide whether that is what you want, or whether you would consider this a way to get a foot in the door, so to speak.
Bob
Nervousness, uncertainty, etc. is definitely something that I'm expecting from whoever is in charge, if I decide to do this. I guess I can understand this. If they only felt comfortable with me teaming up with a child who is blind/visually impaired, or who has another type of disability, that would be fine with me. It doesn't matter to me whether or not they have a disability. They all need to have someone there for them. However, I hope the people who are in charge, won't look at me as someone who is incompetent or unable to do things, as a sighted person can.
Don't big brothers and sisters take kids places and stuff like that? Transportation will be a big obstacle.
Yes, you can take them places, but I don't think that would be a problem for me. I dont' live in the city where transportation is easy to get, but I do have someone who will gladly take me wherever I need to go.
I've also no experience of this, however, Gemini it strikes me that those in charge of the BS/BB programme assume that you would be better or happier, with another blind/vi child. Have they asked you what you would prefer? If you don't speak up and state your case I think you may lose this opportunity to show them exactly how capable you can be. It's your chance to change attitudes and to improve things for the disabled children on the programme good luck.
Goblin, I haven't spoken with anyone about this yet. I wanted to find out if anyone else has ever tried this before, and what their experience was like. I'm extremely interested, and I think I'm going to contact someone this week about it. I agree with you 100% when you say we should speak up about things like this. I agree that just because someone has a disability, doesn't mean that they aren't able to interact with someone who doesn't.
The only problem with asking on a website is you risk getting either limited views or not very favourable ones, due to personal experience.
I agree with the idea of the programme non disabled people need to interact with us, or where will we be.
Oh, I completely understand that I may not get what I'm looking for by posting this topic, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. Like I said, this is something that interests me very much, so no matter what people say, I'm more than likely going to contact someone and get information on the program, and find out what I can do.
Excellent I wish more people had that kind of drive and determination.
Good luck to you if you do follow through with this.
you may as well check on this, Gemini. Worst they can do is tell you no. But you'll never know if you don't try. And you know we'll support you on here, whatever happens with it.
Thanks all. I'll be sure to post what I find out.
So, how did it go with BBBS?
Unfortunately, right now, I'm not able to pursue the idea. Maybe in the future I'll be able to, but right now, I have quite a bit going on, so I figured it would be best to wait.
That would be wise. I have a habit of taking on too much at once, and trying to balance it all is a challenge. lol