VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

You have a big opportunity in front of you—to not only impact a child’s life today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow.

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 their full potential.

Today's youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential. When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and focus on academics. 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. Or just give some 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.

BASIC VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 18 years of age *Except if a High School Big
  • Be willing to commit to meeting regularly with your Little (at least four hours per month)
  • Decide whether you’d like to participate in the community-based program (one calendar year commitment) from the date you are matched or the site-based program (one school year commitment)
  • Watch our volunteer orientation video (from anywhere)
  • Participate in a personal interview (zoom or in office)
  • Take our required online Pre-match training course (from anywhere)
  • Provide three to four references
  • Consent to a background check

Important Note:  Big Brothers Big Sisters strives for stable, long lasting one-to-one relationships for the youth we serve. Due to this, we will not sign off on community service hours for college students until you have completed the required commitment of one school year.

WE NEED MALE MENTORS

More than half of our children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 2 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of Big Brother makes a real difference in a boy's life. So join the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that give a young person someone to look up to. And learn why so many are now saying, "I get back so much more than I give."

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Two men standing next to each other on a sidewalk.

COMMUNITY-BASED

Mentoring relationships that involve one-to-one outings and activities in the community. Littles get to experience new and exciting things that can change their perspective on life.

A man and woman reading books in the library.

SITE-BASED

Consistent one-to-one mentoring at the child's school for one hour per week during the school year. Not just schoolwork!

A man and boy sitting on a bench with a basketball.

SPORTS BUDDIES

Sports Buddies is a fun way to mentor through participating in sports related activities and build community with other matches that love sports.

Two women are studying together at a table.

BIG FUTURES

The Big Futures Program is a career and college readiness initiative designed to equip young people for post-secondary success. 

Click HERE to learn more about the Big Futures program

A family posing for the camera at an event.

BIG COUPLES/FAMILIES

The Big Couple Program is a Community-Based match very similar to that of the one-to-one program, except that the married couples, or those in a committed long-term relationship, are matched together with one Little Brother or Little Sister. 

A woman and child in uniform standing next to each other.

BIGS WITH BADGES

The Bigs with Badges program is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects youth and those with badges in communities throughout the Big Bend, building strong, trusting, lasting relationships. 

Two women sitting at a table in front of bookshelves.

HIGH SCHOOL BIGS

The High School Bigs program is for students looking to volunteer and/or obtain service hours required for graduation and/or to meet college entrance requirements.

APPLY TO BECOME A BIG