“We do a lot of the cool things that I enjoyed doing when I was 14 years old. We go hiking, we go to movies, we go to the arcade and play games, drive around on the go-karts – it’s been great.
Big Brothers Big Sisters doesn’t try to tell me what I should do with my little brother, or what kind of things we should be focusing on, it’s just two guys having a good time.”
— Big Brother Brando
If you know how to be a friend, you already know how to be a geat "Big."
Here are the answers to most of the commonly asked questions people have when considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- What kind of programs are available?
- What are the volunteer requirements?
- How do I apply?
- I've already applied via your national website
- What happens after you get my application?
- When can I expect an interview?
- What happens next?
- What kind of support will I get?
- What do Bigs and Littles do together?
What kind of programs are available?
We make matches in three programs - Community-based, School-based, and Site-based. Read all about our programs here. »
Volunteer Requirements
Community-based "Bigs"
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Have resided in the Bay Area for at least three months at time of application
- Have a valid California Drivers license, or valid ID card
- Have less than 3 points on your driving record.
- Have had no DUI within the past 5 years and never had more than one DUI.
- Have never been convicted of a felony or currently on probation with the law
- Can provide proof of car insurance.
- Attend an orientation
School-based "Bigs"
- Must be at least 15 years of age
- Have resided in the Bay Area for at least three months at time of application
- Must have Parent Permission if under the age of 18
- Must take a TB Test
- Have a Live scan (fingerprinting)
- Attend an orientation
- Have never been convicted of a felony
How do I apply?
What happens after you get my application?
When can I expect an interview?
After the initial interview with you to tell us about yourself, we will start the background check, references and then the Program team will make a decision about accepting you into the program.
What happens next?
Once you are accepted, we’ll look to see if we have any children who are waiting who we believe would make a good match for you. When we think we’ve found a good match, we’ll contact you and share the child’s profile and see what you think. If you agree with our suggested match recommendation, we’ll schedule your match meeting where you will meet your new Little Brother/Sister.
Again, every effort is place on finding the right match for you, so this process may take some time. If we don’t have a child on our waiting list that is an immediate match for you, we’ll place you on a waiting list, and will contact you as soon as we believe we have a match. Please contact us if you move, change workplaces, or change phone numbers while we are looking for the right little Brother/Sister for you.
What kind of support will I get?
Once you’re matched, you will be asked to attend an orientation and training session. Your Match Support Specialist will follow your match, checking in with you monthly. answers any questions you may have, and addresses any concerns.
We also provide activities for groups of Bigs and Littles to attend together to meet, talk, and get to know each other.
What do Bigs and Littles do together?
The program is flexible: you can make it fit your schedule. There are no mandatory activities: you can do what you and your Little enjoy
- Some Bigs take their Littles to cultural events, like plays, the opera, and the ballet.
- Some Bigs take their Littles to see the Giants, to play catch in the park, or go bike riding.
- Some Bigs take their Littles on errands – to pick up groceries and laundry.
- Some Bigs and Littles cook together, make crafts together, just hang out together.
There are ways you can help while you wait.
Click here to find out how. The more you help, the more kids we enroll – and the more Bigs we’ll need.
Some Bigs get matched quickly. Others wait a while. What happens next depends on what you want. We run three types of programs across five counties, and each one has a different list of kids looking for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Maybe we have the perfect young friend living just around the block from you – but maybe we haven’t gotten any applications from your neighborhood. We’ll only match you with someone who meets your criteria, but the more specific you are the longer you’ll probably have to wait. If you’re willing to be flexible, we can probably match you sooner. There are plenty of kids looking for mentors.
| The Need in the Bay Area |
200-300 boys and girls a month register with us to get a Big Brother or Big Sister....learn more» |
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