FAQs about becoming a BIG

Most Bigs (volunteer mentors) say they spend about 4 hours a month with their Little.

Whatever you usually like to do! Go fishing, ride bikes, go to the library, or go to the park. When you’re matched with your Little, not only will the BBBS team share information about agency and community events, but you’ll be supported by full-time staff who can suggest ideas too! And, there is a lot of work that goes into making the “best match” they can, so you’ll likely have things in common with your Little right from the start.

You don’t have to spend anything be a great Big. Most Bigs will tell you that a typical outing with their Little is free or might cost as much as a cookie or hot chocolate. BBBS also offers no-cost group activities and free passes for local attractions, major sports events, theatrical performances and more.

Whatever life experience you bring, you’re qualified! Littles aren’t looking for an expert, they’re just looking for a patient, present and accepting adult.

A big one. After building a relationship with their Big, Littles report higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors like trying alcohol or illegal drugs, and educational success.

We have three programs for mentors to consider - community-based, site-based and Big Futures.

Community-Based Mentoring

Community-Based Mentoring is the organization’s flagship program. The program matches youth ages 5 to 18, predominantly from low-income households, with adult volunteer mentors. Spending one-on-one time in the local community is primarily how these relationships develop. Each match is unique and creates a schedule that works for them. During outings, Bigs and Littles do everyday activities that provide children with the opportunity to expand their skills and discover a world of possibilities for their life.             

Site-Based Mentoring

In our Site-Based Mentoring Program, students ages 5 to 18 meet with volunteer mentors weekly during or after the school day at one of our partner school locations. Through the support of their mentors, children develop positive attitudes toward school, achieve higher grades, become more confident, and improve relationships with adults and peers. Mentoring matches participate in a variety of activities, such as reading together, visiting the school library, working on homework, engaging in group activities, or playing on the playground.                  

Big Futures

Our Big Futures Initiative addresses the mentoring gap for older youth as they prepare for high school graduation and transition into adulthood. Littles in high school and young adulthood meet with volunteer mentors during or after the school day at one of our partner school locations. This special mentoring program focuses on high school graduation, post-secondary education and training, independent living, workforce readiness, and community engagement.

This initiative includes three core elements:

1. Matching high school students (Littles) with mentors (Bigs) who have a college degree or technical experience. Through one-on-one meetings during lunches and special events, mentors will help youth build academic confidence, social skills, and explore post-secondary and career interests and opportunities.

2. Supporting former Littles ages 18–24 by continuing their mentoring relationship as they enter adulthood. Activities for Little and Big matches will focus on workforce readiness, education, independent living, financial literacy, and self-care.

3. Engaging high school students as mentors to elementary students, fostering leadership, empathy, and a commitment to community service through weekly sessions that build academic and social-emotional skills.

The enrollment process has several steps to protect the safety and well-being of the Littles in our programs and ensure that you both have an enjoyable and mutually beneficial match experience. 

1. The process begins on our website, when you click on the “Take the First Step” button and access our nationwide online enrollment system. 

2. Next up is a quick informational call, where you will learn about the program and what you can expect if you move forward with the process of becoming a Big. 

3. While you work to complete your application, you will receive information on how to complete your background check and fingerprints, which is required of all volunteers in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. 

4. We will schedule an interview with you, which typically lasts about 1.5 hours, to get to know you and learn about your interests, to help us determine the Little who might be a good fit for you. 

5. While we will reach out to your references, review our interview notes and your background information, you will complete an online training about child safety, expectations in the program, learn different backgrounds that kids might come from, and what’s next so you are prepared when you’re matched. 

6. When we have identified a Little for you, we will give you a call to tell you all about them! We give you time to think about it and decide if they’re a good fit.  

7. After you agree to the match, we will schedule a match meeting for you and your Little and their family. We will be there to introduce you and talk about expectations. Then, we will let you two start to build your friendship! 

We want to set you up for success! Here’s how we help ensure you and your Little have the best experience possible. 

1. We use a focused, intentional matching process that considers your location, interests, personality, preferences, history, and more, when determining which Little on our waiting list would be the best match for you. 

2. We provide customized training before you are matched and a training resource library that is available through the length of your relationship. 

3. You will be assigned a designated mentoring specialist who will reach out regularly to provide resources, support, and advice as needed. 

4. We produce and email a monthly newsletter, which details upcoming agency-sponsored events, and we also maintain a live calendar of community and partner events that are free or low cost for you and your Little to check out! This includes discounts on community events and activities for community-based matches, to help offset the cost of weekly outings. 

5. We offer additional resources and support as needed, to ensure that you and your Little have all the tools available to build and maintain a great relationship that benefits both of you mentally and emotionally.