Be a Big
Becoming a Big is a rewarding way to support and encourage a child in your community. Find out what’s involved and how to get started.
Become a Big FAQ
What are the requirements to become a Big?
All Bigs must be at least 18 years old and have access to a reliable vehicle. We have an interview, application, and background check process. Bigs can be college students, retirees, single, couples (friends/roommates/co-workers/spouses/partners), any gender, and come from any socioeconomic background.
How often do I meet with my Little?
If you are in the Community-Based program, you are required to spend time with you Little twice a month, totaling 4-6 hours. This is a 15 month commitment.
If you are a mentor in our Small Group Mentoring at a local middle school, you and other mentors will meet with a group of students for 90 minutes once a week. Activities are already planned for these groups and facilitated by BBBS staff. This is a 9 month commitment.
What support and training will I receive as a Big?
Volunteers receive an orientation and are required to complete an online Volunteer Pre-Match Training before being matched. Once you are matched with your Little, you will be supported by one of our Mentoring Specialists. Your Mentoring Specialist will have monthly contact with you, the Little, and the Little’s family to discuss how the Match relationship is going. They are available anytime for support. They will share low-cost, fun and engaging activities, provide information on specific topics, and help you work through any challenges.
Monthly communication with Mentoring Specialists is a requirement for all Bigs and families.
Do the parents and children want to be in the program?
Yes, BBBSJC only enrolls children who want to be in the program and whose parents agree to the requirements of our program. Parents who enroll their children in the BBBSJC program want the very best for their children.
Do I need to have experience with children to become a Big?
No.
Who are the Littles and do I choose my Little?
Littles are 6-18 years old who reside in Johnson County and come from many different backgrounds. Littles are 6-18 years old and typically reside in Johnson County. They come from diverse backgrounds. BBBSJC matches Bigs and Littles based on compatibility and family and volunteer preferences. During interviews, we learn what hobbies and interests Bigs and Littles enjoy and what they are looking for in a match. Once a match is identified, one of our Mentoring Specialists will call to discuss the potential match. You decide if you think this is a good fit or not.
What do I do with my Little?
Keep it simple! Community activities are up to each Match to schedule and participate on their own time. It’s not about the money spent, but the time spent together. Common activities include going to get ice cream or coffee, playing catch or going to the park, attending a sporting event or a variety of community events. BBBSJC also hosts a wide variety of free, monthly match events that Bigs/Littles are invited to. Bigs and Littles also receive Match Perks.
Can I choose a Little Sister or Little Brother?
Big Brothers are matched with Little Brothers. Big Sisters can be matched with Little Sisters OR Little Brothers who are under the age of 10. Big Couples may be matched with either a Little Brother or Little Sister, depending on the composition of the Big Couple. We are flexible with Bigs and Littles who identify as trans, genderqueer, nonbinary, etc.
What if it doesn’t work out?
Our Mentoring Specialists do everything to make the Match relationship last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up – Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. Mentoring Specialists will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, the Match will end. If this happens, your Mentoring Specialist will support you every step of the way. . Matches may also be closed if Bigs or Families do not maintain required monthly match support.
How long does a Match last?
We ask for a minimum commitment of 15 months. Matches can remain active with BBBS until the Little graduates from high school, with the option of continuing to be supported by BBBS through the Little’s 21st birthday.
What are Big Couples?
Big Couples are a pair of Bigs who are relatives, spouses/significant others, friends, co-workers, or roommates who want to be matched together to mentor the same Little. The benefit of a Big Couple is that both Bigs have the option of meeting one-on-one with their Little OR all three can get together. Our Big Couples love the flexibility this gives their Match!
Ready to be a BIG?
Just fill out our simple online inquiry form. After you do, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you. So many of our Bigs tell us that becoming a Big was the best decision they ever made. What are you waiting for?
Want to mentor together as a couple? We also offer friends, married couples, or long-term romantic partners the opportunity to become a “Big Couple” and together mentor one young person. Each one of you should click “Become Big Couple” below, enter your info, and we will follow up with you both! Each party in a Big Couple must complete their own inquiry form.
Know someone who would make a great BIG Brother?
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re always looking for more men to be mentors. We have boys ready and waiting to be matched with a role model. So tell the guys you know to sign up to become Bigs. They can do all the fun things they love to do already, like see movies, play video games, and go hiking, only now they’d get to enjoy it with a child who can truly benefit from it. More than 70% of our children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in a boy’s life. So join the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who give a young person someone to look up to.
