Become a Big
What does it mean to "be a Big?" Becoming a big is volunteering as a mentor to a child (aka a Little) in our program. Children are between the ages of 6-14 at enrollment. They are children from all walks of life, who WANT to be a part of our program. You are intentionally matched with a child who has commonalities with you, such as hobbies, interests, location, personality, and goals. You meet around two times a month with your Little doing fun, low-to-no cost activities together. It may not seem like a lot, but consistently meeting with your Little a couple of times a month makes a BIG impact on their life. Your job is to be there, listen without judgement, laugh, have fun, experience things together, and be a support through out life's ups and downs. Our Bigs are not counselors, teachers, or parents. They are role models and friends who care about their Little and want to empower them to be their best selves. Bigs help Littles grow in confidence, develop resilience, try new things, step out of their comfort zones, and build trust as they experience a supportive and positive relationship. Bigs make a BIG impact, just by being consistent and showing they care! Anyone with the time and a kind heart can be a Big!
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Mentorship Experience Options
We offer 2 types of mentorship programs: School-site and Community-based. Each program involves a one-on-one relationship between a Big and Little. We ask for at least a one year commitment, as it takes time to build a relationship. Our average Match length is 3 years, and some even go on to have a lifelong relationship.
Community-based mentoring
- Bigs pick up Littles from their home and do fun activities in the community together.
- Bigs and Littles get together for several hours 2-3 times per month.
- Meetup times are flexible. Bigs and parents or guardians develop a schedule that fits their needs.
- Together you can do a multitude of activities, such as, cooking, sports, hiking, going to a museum, attending events, going out to eat, doing arts and crafts, or just meeting up to walk and talk.
- Your Match Support Specialist is just a phone call away to support you, troubleshoot nuances, or give you activity ideas.
- Attend quarterly Match Activities hosted by BBBS.
School-site mentoring
- Bigs meet their Littles at their school and do fun activities in a classroom or on the playground
- Bigs and Littles meet for 45 minutes every week
- Meetup times are at lunch or after school if there is a community center
- Together you do things at school like play board games, do crafts, throw a football, eat lunch and just make the child feel special
- Refugee Littles and Littles without permanent housing are often served in our school-site program
- "Beyond School Walls", our workplace mentorship program is a branch of the School-site program
1. Apply
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to be a Big, visit the Application page. Fill out the form with the information requested and we will reach out to you within 24-48 hours.
2. Background Check
As part of our screening process we background check and fingerprint all of our volunteers.
3. In-Person Interview
We require all of our volunteers to participate in an face-to-face interview with an Enrollment Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters. During this interview we want to learn about you to match you with your perfect Little.
4. Pre-Match Training
At the time of your interview we schedule you for a face-to-face training with a staff member at Big Brothers Big Sisters. This interactive training will give you all of the information you need to know about being a Big and how we will support you.
5. Get Matched
This is where the magic happens! BBBS staff makes meaningful matches through a thoughtful and comprehensive process.
6. Start Your New Friendship
After a facilitated first meeting between you and your Little, your match has begun. We are always here to support the incredible journey between you and your new best friend.
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to be a Big, visit the Application page. Fill out the form with the information requested and we will reach out to you within 24-48 hours.
As part of our screening process we background check and fingerprint all of our volunteers.
We require all of our volunteers to participate in an face-to-face interview with an Enrollment Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters. During this interview we want to learn about you to match you with your perfect Little.
At the time of your interview we schedule you for a face-to-face training with a staff member at Big Brothers Big Sisters. This interactive training will give you all of the information you need to know about being a Big and how we will support you.
This is where the magic happens! BBBS staff makes meaningful matches through a thoughtful and comprehensive process.
After a facilitated first meeting between you and your Little, your match has begun. We are always here to support the incredible journey between you and your new best friend.
Still questioning becoming a big?
Becoming a mentor is a big decision but we have lots of resources and support to help.
Readiness Checklist Big FAQ