APPLY TO BECOME A BIG. THEIR POTENTIAL IS BIG...HELP IGNITE IT.

When you volunteer to become a Big Brother or Sister, you’ll not only make a positive impact on the life of a child, you’ll enrich your own life and have fun as well. When you spend time with your Little, you share your own interests and discover new ones. You see life through the eyes of a child again. You laugh and play with a new friend, all while children grow and thrive in ways that change their lives. Children in our program often show improvement in academic performance, engage less in risky behaviors and avoid early parenting.

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 empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.

Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. More importantly, be there for your Little to listen and offer advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact. Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing. So why not apply to be a Big today. There are kids out there ready to get started. Are you?

To be a Big, you must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, access to reliable transportation and be willing to commit to a minimum one year volunteer experience.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A BIG

To be a Big, you must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, access to reliable transportation and be willing to commit to a minimum one year volunteer experience.

• Complete forms and surveys needed by program staff, including a background check.
  
• Interview with an Enrollment Specialist.
  
• Attend pre-match training.
  
• Work with a Case Manager to find a Little Brother or Little Sister.
  

• Initiate contact with your Little on a consistent basis to schedule activities.
  
• Meet with your Little 3-4 times a month for at least one year.
  
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff.
  

Volunteer today by filling out the form below or call 785-825-5509.

BECOME A BIG!

FAQs

What it's like to be a big?

Our volunteers tell us that being a Big is fun! They say it reminds them of what it’s like to see the world through a young person’s eyes and gives them a chance to share their own perspectives. It allows them to share their interests and discover new ones. Most of all, they tell us that they are pleasantly surprised by the positive and transformative impact a mentoring relationship has on their life.

who are the children in bbbs' program and how do they get involved?

Our Littles come from many types of home environments, family structures, economic levels, ethnicities, and communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all share a need for friendship with a caring adult who believes in them.
Children and caregivers may hear about our program from friends, teachers, or counselors, at church, at school or through public service announcements. All children and their parents/guardians choose to be in our program.

does it cost anything to be a big?

No. You don’t have to pay to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Our program is about developing a positive relationship with a Little Brother or Little Sister.
We encourage participation in no-cost or low-cost activities and even provide volunteers with an ongoing calendar of fun, free activities. If, on occasion, you take part in an activity that is not free, we ask you to cover the total cost, but ask families to send money for the Little’s cost when possible.

how will i be matched with a little?

The enrollment and interview process helps us get to know each other. It allows us to understand what kind of match relationship suits you best, and allows you to learn more about what is expected of you as a Big Brother or Big Sister. We consider qualities such as your personality, interests, age preferences, background and location, but the final decision to accept or decline a match is yours.

will i be matched with a little right away?

Some matches take longer to make than others, depending on our youth enrollment and their specific needs.

when do i see my little?

We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule for outings and see each other on a regular basis, committing to at least one year of meeting 3-4 times a month. All activities require parent approval.
Until your relationship is established, the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent/guardian, your Little and you. For example, if your Little is younger, a short outing might be most appropriate. During the school year, evening and weekend activities usually work best.
Littles and Bigs work together to choose and schedule activities. All activities require parent approval.

what are some good ideas for outings with my little?

Take part in activities that give you and your Little something to talk about. Look at comic books together, play board games, or tune in to the car radio and compare musical interests! We want you to find activities that give you and your Little a chance to learn from each other and have fun together. After all, playing is learning.

what kind of support can i expect from bbbs after I get matched?

Throughout your entire match relationship, a Match Support Specialist from Big Brothers Big Sisters remains in regular contact with you. They are there to answer questions, provide assistance, offer ideas for activities, give feedback, help you handle difficult situations and offer support in any way they can.

what if it doesn't work out?

We do everything in our power to make matches that last. However, we realize that sometimes situations change or thing don’t work out. If this happens we’ll try to mediate and resolve the problem first, but if mediation is unsuccessful we will end the match. Your Match Support Specialist will support you every step of the way, working toward the best possible outcome for everyone.

can a match last longer than one year?

Although we ask for a minimum commitment of one year, matches in our program can continue until your Little turns 18 and/or graduates high school. But even graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your relationship– many friendships between Bigs and Littles last a lifetime.