BE A BIG
ONE MORE PERSON
CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
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Are you ready to become a Big?
You're in the right place! The options are unlimited, just like a Little’s potential. All it takes is a few hours, a couple of times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship and support. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can change a life. Play a board game. Learn a new craft. Go on a walk in the park. For many Littles, their Big is the only relationship that’s all theirs—someone who can invest dedicated time to encourage them and introduce them to new possibilities and perspectives. |
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STEPS TO BECOME A MENTORApplying to be a Big takes a few steps, and we’re here to help you along the way:
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→ Step #1:Complete the online application and review the new volunteer inquiry video.
Send BBBS your driver's license and proof of auto insurance. → Step #2:We will schedule an in-person interview to learn more about you! These typically take place at your home and take about 60-90 minutes.
→ Step #3:Complete an online training
Get fingerprinted Background checks and reference checks |
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING A BIG?
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How often do Bigs and Littles get together?
That depends on the program! Community-based Bigs and Littles get together 2-4 times a month, and spend a minimum of 4 hours together each month. Site-based Bigs and Littles get together weekly in group activities and spend about one hour together each week.
How long can a match last
All of our programs require a one-year commitment from the time of match (Site/School-Based is one academic year). That is often not the end, though — many of our matches turn into life-long friendships
What support is provided to our match?
Once you are matched with your Little, your match specialist will be in regular contact with you to help answer questions and give feedback. Each match is supported by a match specialist. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, provide guidance for handling anything that may arise, and support with feedback on how you are making a difference.
Do the parent and children want to be in the program?
Parents that enroll their children in the BBBS program want the very best for their children. They see the benefits of introducing another caring adult role model into their life. Many say their children’s Bigs can talk to them about issues too difficult for a child to broach with a parent. Parents often say introducing a Big into their child’s life changed their Little forever and had a positive impact for the entire family. BBBS only enrolls children who want and need the program and whose parents specifically want them to be in the program. The result is 100% of the children enrolled are ready and excited about being matched with a Big.
How do I choose my Little?
This is what is unique about BBBS. We don’t just select the next child on the list and match them with the next Big. Each Big and Little are initially matched by BBBS based on compatibility and proximity to each other. Our Enrollment Specialists get to know each Big, parent and Little enrolled in the program. They get to know their interests, hobbies, what they are looking for in a match, and much more. This is crucial because once a volunteer is accepted into the program, an Enrollment Specialist will begin searching for a Little they think would make the ideal match.
What do I do with my Little?
Activities are dependent on the program enrolled in. Some activities are coordinated by the program, attending a sporting event or a fun outdoor activity planned independently. Bring your Little on activities you were already going to do. Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other. BBBS also hosts great match activities that Bigs/Littles are invited to. Bigs also occasionally will receive free tickets donated to BBBS that program specialists distribute to matches.
Do Bigs receive any help or training once matched?
Yes, your program specialist will be there every step of the way to offer customized support while you are matched. We also partner with several organizations to provide ongoing workshops and trainings to better support you and your Little.
Can I choose whether I want a Little Sister or a Little Brother?
BBBS generally makes same gender matches, meaning Big Brothers are matched with Little Brothers and Big Sisters are matched with Little Sisters. BBBS is inclusive and honors gender identity, Bigs and Littles from the LGBTQ+ community and gender expressions that do not fit into binary gender labels. BBBS works with all parties of a prospective match – the youth, parent(s) and volunteer – to make strong mentoring matches consistent with the matching preferences of all parties of the prospective match.
What if it doesn't work out?
We have a lot of experience making long-lasting matches. However, sometimes things come up — Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work, we will close the match. If this happens, your program specialist will be there to support you, your Little, and your Little’s parent(s) every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
Is there a cost to the background check?
BBBS covers the cost of all background checks needed. Fingerprinting will require you to pay upfront but you will then send a picture of your receipt to your enrollment specialist and BBBS will reimburse you. The upfront cost is about $50-$65 depending on if you use an IdentoGO Service or a local police department.
Background checks received from other volunteer or work positions cannot be transferred to BBBS. BBBS must conduct all required background checks separately. What if I have a criminal background history?
Mentors come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and we understand everyone makes mistakes. A previous conviction or arrest is something we carefully review and assess on an individual basis. If you have concerns or questions about being disqualified due to a previous arrest or conviction, please email [email protected] and we can explore if our programs are a good fit for you. We do not accept volunteers with any history of a crime against a child.
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