Be a Big FAQs
Your Questions About Becoming a Big, Answered
We know becoming a Big is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Below, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about the volunteer process, expectations, and how mentorship works.
Be a Big FAQs
A: Bigs and Littles get together 2-4 times a month, either at school or out in the community, depending on the mentoring program chosen. School visits usually last 45-60 minutes, while activities in the community average 2-3 hours each time Bigs and Littles meet up.
A: Once you are matched with your Little, your Program Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, your Program Specialist is here to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
A: Parents who enroll their children in the BBBS program want the very best for their children. They see the benefits of introducing another caring adult role model into the life of their child. Many say that their children’s Bigs are able to talk to them about issues that are just difficult for a parent to address. That is why parents often say introducing a Big into their child’s life has not only changed their child’s life, but it’s impacted the entire family. BBBSMV only enrolls children who want and need the program and whose parents specifically want them to be in the program, so the children enrolled are ready and excited about being matched.
A: That is what is really unique and great about BBBSMV. We don’t just select the next child on our list and match them with a Big. Each Big and Little is matched based on compatibility and proximity to each other, but ultimately, Bigs and Littles choose each other. Enrollment & Matching Specialists get to know each Big, parent, and child that enrolls in the program. They get to know their interests, hobbies, what they are looking for in a match, and much more. This is crucial because once a volunteer is accepted into the program, an Enrollment & Matching Specialist will begin searching for a few Littles that they think would make a good match. They will then send a profile of a Little that they believe is a great match for you, and from there you ultimately decide if you think they will be the best fit.
A: So many options! Community activities are up to each Match to schedule and participate in on their own time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money – it’s about the time. Common activities include going to get ice cream or coffee, playing catch or a video game, attending a sporting event or community event, or running errands. We encourage Bigs to share time instead of trying to create new time. Bring your Little along for activities you were already going to do. BBBSMV also hosts great Match activities and events that Bigs/Littles are invited to. Our Bigs are occasionally given free tickets to events that BBBSMV is able to distribute to Matches.
School-Based Bigs can bring along a game, book, cards, craft, or building activity to do during their lunch and recess visit with their Little. BBBSMV has a lending library of board games, crafts, and projects that are available to School-Based Matches.
Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other!
A: Yes, you will complete an online Volunteer Pre-Match Mentor Training that shares additional information about the mentoring stages and child safety. In addition, your Program Specialist will be there every step of the way to offer customized support as your Match progresses. Our staff regularly provides topical workshops and learning experiences designed for Bigs, Littles, and parents that dive deeper into the developmental needs of youth and how they connect with mentoring.
A: BBBSMV makes same gender matches. Big Brothers are matched with Little Brothers. Big Sisters are matched with Little Sisters. Big Duos may be matched with either a Little Brother or Little Sister based on the genders of Bigs in the Big Duo.
A: Big Duos 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 Duo is that both Bigs have the option of meeting one-on-one with their Little OR all three can get together. Our Big Duos love the flexibility this gives their Match!
A: We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up – Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the Match. If this happens, your Program Specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
A: We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each Match we make. That is often not the end, though – many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime!
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.