“We do a lot of the cool things that I enjoyed doing when I was 14 years old. We go hiking, we go to movies, we go to the arcade and play games, drive around on the go-karts – it’s been great.
Big Brothers Big Sisters doesn’t try to tell me what I should do with my little brother, or what kind of things we should be focusing on, it’s just two guys having a good time.”
— Big Brother Brando
Be a Big - Whats Involved?
Whats involved?
If you know how to be a friend, you already know how to be a great "Big." Here are the answers to most of the commonly asked questions people have when considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister:
Topics:
- What kind of programs are available?
- What are the volunteer requirements?
- How do I apply?
- I've already applied via your national website
- What happens after you get my application?
- When can I expect an interview?
- What happens next?
- What kind of support will I get?
- What do Bigs and Littles do together?
- When do I get to meet my Little?
- How can I stay involved while I am waiting to be matched with my Little?
We make matches in two programs - Community-based and Site-based (school-based). Read all about our programs here. »
Volunteer Requirements:
Community-based "Bigs"
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Have resided in our area for at least three months at time of application
- Have a valid Driver's license,
- Have had no DUI within the past 5 years. Have not been convicted of a felony within the last five years or currently on probation
- Can provide proof of car insurance.
School-based "Bigs"
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Have resided in our area for at least three months at time of application
- Must have Parent Permission if under the age of 18
- Attend an orientation
- Have not been convicted of a felony within the last five years or currently on probation
How do I apply?
You can apply online HERE or call 1-888-456-1600 to get an application sent to you.
What happens after you get my application?
We will contact you to set up an interview at a time and place convenient for you. A typical interview lasts approximately 1.5 hours in order to gather information about you and answer any questions you might have.
What happens after the interview?
After the initial interview with you, we will start the background checks, references and the assessment process. This process can take up to 30 days (or longer depending on the number of places lived and number of volunteer experiences). Once all information has been gathered, the Enrollment team will make an assessment of appropriateness for our programs.
On occasion, Big Brothers Big Sisters does not accept prospective volunteers for any number of reasons. These include but are not limited to, time availability, stability of life circumstances, and the feedback we receive from references and background checks. We recognize that no system is error proof and apologize for any inconvenience or discomfort this decision may cause, however any decision is final. Our policy prevents us from releasing the exact reason for denial.
What happens next?
Once you are accepted, we'll look to see if we have any children who are waiting who we believe would make a good match for you. When we think we've found a good match, we'll contact you and share the child's profile and see what you think. If you agree with our suggested match recommendation, we'll schedule your match meeting where you will meet your new Little Brother/Sister.
Again, every effort is place on finding the right match for you, so this process may take some time. If we don't have a child on our waiting list that is an immediate match for you, we'll place you on a waiting list, and will contact you as soon as we believe we have a good match. Please contact us if you move, change workplaces, or change phone numbers while we are looking for the right little Brother/Sister for you.
What kind of support will I get?
Once you're matched, your Match Support Specialist will follow your match, checking in with you at regular intervals answer any questions you may have, and addresses any concerns. Be a guide in your new relationship.
We also provide a Price Breaks Program that allows you discounts at area restaurants and venues so that you can economically spend time with your Little, We can also add you to our "Last Minute Ticket Offers" email distribution list to receive notices for event tickets donated to us at the last minute Price Breaks List Link?
What do Bigs and Littles do together?
The program is flexible: you can make it fit your schedule. There are no mandatory activities: you can do what you and your Little enjoy.
- Some Bigs take their Littles to cultural events, like plays, the opera, and the ballet.
- Some Bigs take their Littles to see the Komets, or Wizards, to play catch in the park, or go bike riding.
- Some Bigs take their Littles on errands - to pick up groceries and laundry.
- Some Bigs and Littles cook together, make crafts together, or just hang out together.
There are ways you can help while you wait.
Click here to find out how. The more you help, the more kids we enroll - and the more Bigs we'll need.
Some Bigs get matched quickly. Others wait a while.
What happens next depends on what you want. We run two types of programs across thirteen counties in Indiana & Michigan, and each one has a different list of kids looking for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Maybe we have the perfect young friend living just around the block from you - but maybe we haven't gotten any applications from your neighborhood. We'll only match you with someone who meets your criteria, but the more specific you are the longer you'll probably have to wait. If you're willing to be flexible, we can probably match you sooner. There are plenty of kids looking for mentors.
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