Journey of a Dollar: Step 3, Match Introduction
July 30, 2020, bigstwincities
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Step 3: Match Introduction
After a volunteer completes our application process and the pre-match trainings, they’re ready to be matched! Our expert Enrollment and Matching Team works to pair Bigs and Littles based on geography, common interests and other personality traits.
Then, the Big gets to meet for the first time with their Little, the Little’s parent or guardian, and their Match Engagement Coordinator. This is just the start of an awesome new friendship!
What happens during a Match Introduction?
“The Match Introduction is a time for the Match to meet for the first time, get to know each other, and start to figure out what their relationship is going to look like.” said Sam Mihelich, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities’ Match Engagement Coordinator.
“My favorite part of the Match Introduction is during some of our ‘Get to Know You’ questions. I really enjoy asking Matches to share something they think is important about themselves,” said Sam. “Whether it’s sharing a hobby, one of their favorite things or a piece of art they love, Matches always start learning a little bit about each other’s personalities.”
Big Couple Ryan and Micaela and Little Brother Landen were matched last summer. During their Match Introduction, Landen showed off a medal he received from a recent football tournament. They also learned that Landen loves dogs and he was excited to meet their Golden Retriever, Oliver!
They could tell right away why Big Brothers Big Sisters staff thought they would be a perfect match.
“Landen was enthusiastic about all things sports-related. By the end of the Match Introduction, we were throwing the football with some of his neighborhood friends and joking around.” said Big Brother Ryan.
Including the Little’s parent or guardian
The Match Introduction is also the first time the Little’s parent or guardian gets to meet the Big. Match Engagement Coordinators help to facilitate conversation about communications and scheduling preferences. This is an essential step to building the relationship between the Big and the parent or guardian.
“The basis of any strong Match is good communication. Making sure everyone is on the same page is so important. Three-way communication between the Little, Big, and the parent or guardian is huge. Starting things off on the right foot with their Match Engagement Coordinator’s guidance is a great way for that to happen.” said Sam.
Planning the first Match outing
At the end of the Match Introduction, Matches plan their first outing together. Ryan, Micaela and Landen decided they wanted to head to a neighborhood park to play football later that week.
“When we pulled up to the park during our first hang out, Landen said ‘Wait, this is my school!’. Oops! I guess it’s not very fun to go back to school during your summer vacation.” shared Micaela.
Landen showed them the best spot in the park where their dog, Oliver, could also run around.
“Somehow, Landen convinced us he was going to be the quarterback. He had us running routes over and over.” said Ryan. “By the end of the night, we were all exhausted – even Oliver!”
The evening ended with ice cream at McDonalds and a selfie to always remember their first Match outing! We’d call that a success.
What’s next?
Curious what happens next? Follow along at BigsTwinCities.org/JourneyOfADollar.
Inspired and would like to make a gift? Visit BigsTwinCities.org/Donate.
