Become a Mentor and Be a Part of Something Big
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by inspiring positive change and empowering them to achieve what they never dreamed possible. And the best part is, it’s a lot of fun. Help start a Little on their path to big things!
Learn more about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters below, or, if you're ready to ignite potential, fill out the form below to take the first step.
Embrace the Opportunity
“We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. One person shouldn’t feel the pressure to uplift an entire community. When each of us individually does our part – together we embrace the opportunity and become a Big Brother or Sister and make a Big difference to a kid who needs it.”
Jordan, Big
Big Jordan
Embrace the Opportunity
“We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us. One person shouldn’t feel the pressure to uplift an entire community. When each of us individually does our part – together we embrace the opportunity and become a Big Brother or Sister and make a Big difference to a kid who needs it.”
Jordan, Big
Apply Herebenefits of volunteering
- BIG
- LITTLE
Benefits for Bigs
- Increased self awareness and personal growth Mentoring relationships are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Role modeling for your Little how to achieve success in life can be substantially rewarding.
- Enhanced cultural awareness Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for ethnic, socio-economic status, and ideological diversity.
- Increased productivity Employees who participate in Workplace Mentoring feel more productive, perform better, and have a better attitude at work.
Benefits for Littles
- Educational success Littles have a better sense of hope for their future and are likely to have better school attendance, improved grades, and increased post high school graduation success.
- Reduction and avoidance of risky behavior When Littles have an extra support person in their corner reminding them how much they matter, they tend to improve their overall behavior, including avoiding violence, alcohol and drugs.
- Get along better with family and friends Littles become more confident, develop increased trust in adults, learn how to make better choices, and improve their social skills.
become a volunteer
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What is the minimum time commitment to be a Big?
Volunteers must be willing to commit to being matched with a Little at least one year and meet with their Little at least once per month.
Is there an application fee?
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently covers the cost to process an application. However, we do offer volunteers an opportunity to contribute towards the costs of screening and processing fees through our Big Deal Program.
Do I have to be employed to be a Big?
Volunteers can apply to be a Big if they are retired, in college or graduate school, or do not work outside the home. However, if a volunteer is between jobs we require they be employed at least one month before applying to be a Big.
How old are your Bigs?
Bigs must be at least 18 years old to mentor is our Site Based program and at least 21 years old for our Community Based program.
Who are the Little Brothers and Little Sisters?
In our Community Based program, Littles generally are initially enrolled between 7 and 14 years old. Youth are enrolled through high school in our Site Based program. We serve all youth, and any child is welcome, including those living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty and coping with parental incarceration.
When would I meet with my Little?
In the Community-Based Program it’s up to you and your Little, but most matches meet on the weekends. Bigs and Littles in the Site-Based Program generally meet after school or in the evenings.
How much does it cost to be a Big?
There are no additional expenses in the Site Based program outside of an occasional gift around the holidays. In the Community Based program Bigs are responsible for the cost of outings. However, we encourage no cost/low cost activities. We often provide Bigs with free tickets you can use to take your Little to sports games, museums, cultural events, etc. Also, your Match Support Specialist will let you know about low/no-cost events in the community.
Can I be a Big if I don’t know much about kids?
Yes you can! You’ll have a dedicated and professionally trained Match Support Specialist who will assist you throughout the duration of the match with helpful suggestions designed to specifically enhance your relationship with your Little.
How do you match a Big with a Little?
We conduct in-depth interviews with the Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians enrolling in our program so we can get to know all parties and can make the best match! We make matches based on common interests, personalities, preferences, and geography.
Where can I mentor?
Bigs are matched in our Site Based and Community Based program in our four county service area which includes Cook, Dupage, Lake County, IL and Lake County, IN.
How far will I have to travel?
We encourage Bigs in our Site Based program to choose a location they can commute to relatively easily. In our Community Based program we ask if Bigs are willing to drive up to 45 minutes but we try make matches where the Big and Little are within 30 minutes of each other. We recognize that lengthy travel takes up too much time and can undermine the longevity and quality of a match.
Does BBBS accept LGBTQ volunteers?
Yes! For more information click here.
What kind of background checks do you do?
All volunteers and employees are subject to background checks that include obtaining references from people who know them well. Also we conduct a National Criminal Background Check (recurs twice a month), Federal Background Check, DCFS Child Abuse/Neglect, Public Domain Search, Motor Vehicle Check, and fingerprinting. In addition, in our Community Based program, anyone who lives in the Big’s home who is over the age of 18 must complete a background check.
Can I volunteer even if I have a criminal record?
We handle this on a case-by-case basis. It is important that you disclose this to us and address it fully. In some instances an offense may not be an obstacle because it is minor or long ago. In other instances, for example a case that is still open, it is a disqualifier.
Can I still be a Big if I don’t have a car?
Yes. Volunteers who don’t have a car can be a Big in one of our Site Based programs. Additionally, volunteers can become a Big in our Community Based program if they own or have access to a car they are insured on, use Uber/Lyft, Zip Car, a rental car or CTA.
Are there residency requirements to be a Big?
Yes. All volunteers either must be a US citizen and have lived in the US at least 12 months prior to applying to be a Big, be a legal US resident for the past 2 years, or have a valid student or worker visa for the past 2 years.
What kinds of things do Bigs and Littles do together?
In the Community Based program Bigs and Littles do normal, everyday activities that ultimately build friendships and change lives! Going out for icecream, going to a baseball game, cooking a meal, visiting a museum – the Big and Little can decide what they want to do together! In the Site Based program fun and engaging activities are led by the Program Coordinator.
What outcome areas will I focus on with my Little?
In both the Community Based and Site Based programs, Bigs and Littles set goals around three outcome areas: Educational Achievement (improving attitudes about school, improving grades, addressing truancy, discussing career aspirations, etc), Avoidance of Risky Behavior (peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, gangs, making healthy choices), and Socio-Emotional Competency (developing healthy peer relationships, self-confidence, etc).