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Interview & Safety

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What are some things I should do with my Little?

Spending time with your Little can be simple, fun, and meaningful. Everyday activities like playing games, going for a walk, cooking together, doing homework, or talking about school and interests can make a big impact. Try to choose activities that encourage conversation, build confidence, and expose your Little to new experiences like visiting a museum, library, or community event. Most importantly, be consistent, listen, and focus on building a trusting, positive relationship rather than planning something elaborate.

Impact of mentorship

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Become A Big

S.M.A.R.T

is a structured mentoring program where high school or college students (Bigs) are matched with elementary or middle school students (Littles) to build positive, supportive relationships. Mentoring sessions take place weekly at the school or designated site and focus on friendship, encouragement, and skill-building. All activities are facilitated and supported by trained program staff, ensuring a safe, consistent, and engaging experience that helps Littles grow academically, socially, and emotionally while Bigs develop leadership and mentoring skills.

Match timeline for youth

Inquiry (express interest and get more information-> Application-> Interview (get to know the little)-> Training (Safety training for parents and youth) -> Match proposal (staff will propose a potential match) -> Match meeting (introduction to match) -> Matched (on going match support throughout the match)

How it works

We want to work together to keep your young person safe. To do so, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs and Littles. Each volunteer must complete a screening process that includes:

1) Applicationand Orientation

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You will receive a phone call that gives you an Orientation
The Orientation takes about 15 - 30 minutes
Both BBBS and you determine if it's a good fit

2) Backgroundand Interview

A national, state and local background check is conducted
References are checked
A level one fingerprint clearance card is obtained
A home interview (in-person/virtual) is completed

3) Pre-Match Training

Ground Rules
Obligations and Appropriate Roles
Child safety/youth protection
What Match Support is and why we do it

4) Matching & Match Support

We match you with a little who is best suited We present the Match to Big and Little If accepted, we then schedule a Match meeting All parties receive regular contact support from staff

VOLUNTEER INQUIRY FORM

Contact Information

First Name *

Last Name *

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Email *

Preferred means of communication *

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For Our Information

Date of Birth *

Gender *

Pronouns *

Zip Code *

County *

How did you hear about us? *

Clicking Submit below indicates that you are interested in volunteering as a Big. This is not an application.

Frequently Questions

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How will I be matched with a child?

The application and interview processes help us to get to know your preferences and learn about the situation best suited for you. You get acquainted with us and learn what to expect. In making your match, we take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. The final decision about a match is always yours.

How do children come into the program?

Children and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend who has a Big, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be part of our program.

Who are the children in the program?

Our Littles come from a variety of home environments, family structures, socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, neighborhoods, and schools. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique. They all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.

When can I see my Little?

You and your Little—and his or her parent—decide the best times for your match to meet. Keep a consistent schedule and see each other at least twice a month to establish a genuine relationship and comfort level. The length of outings will depend on the comfort level of the Big, Little, and parent. If your Little is young, a shorter outing will be best to start.

How much money should I spend?

Seek out free or low-cost, simple activities, especially in the beginning. Our agency offers group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles! We also offer a monthly e-bulletin with information about free or inexpensive activities in the area. You will receive e-mails about opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural and sports activities. Buying gifts for your Little will actually stifle your friendship, because your Little will have the wrong expectations of the relationship.

What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?

Commercial “Fun” Stores: Gameworks, Boomers, Chuck-e-Cheese—these can be really fun places, but costly. Save these for special occasions only, such as birthdays, good grades, etc., and only if you choose this as an acceptable activity.

Movies: It’s important to communicate while engaged in a common interest with your Little: hard to do at a movie. When you do go, be sure to share your reactions and thoughts after the show.

Shopping: Avoid this as an activity unless you both agree on the purpose and goal, such as how make a sound purchase for a Mother's Day gift or spend an allowance wisely. If you choose to shop, set limits as you would with any child who, confronted with enticing displays, wants something he/she cannot have.

Can I bring my partner/friend /family member on outings?

It’s important to spend one-on-one time with your Little to get to know each other. It is good for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you—this can be a great way for you to model appropriate friendship/relationship skills. However, spend at least half of your outings in one-on-one activities so your Little benefits from your special attention.

What if my Little doesn’t talk to me at first?

Some children aren’t used to having an attentive listener and are uncomfortable talking. Here are some pointers …

• Use humor to start conversations; there’s nothing like a good laugh to break the ice. (Your match support team can give you great tips on this.)

• Keep intermittent eye contact; look at your Little when he/she is talking and smile when it’s appropriate.

• When your Little is talking make sure he or she knows you are not distracted; be an active listener: Tell me more about that, What happened next?, How did you feel? (Not: Why did/didn’t/won’t you?, How could you?, etc.)

• Be aware of your body language and facial expressions…avoid folding your arms, rolling your eyes, frowning, or otherwise showing disapproval

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