VOLUNTEER
BE A MENTOR
Every child is born with potential. But one-third of our nation’s youth are growing up without a positive role model. Stand with us to ignite, empower and inspire their potential.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO BE A BIG
SIGN UP FOR A VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
VOLUNTEER ELIGIBILITY
+ Be 18 years of age or older
+ Pass a background check
+ Have a valid CA drivers license, insurance and vehicle
+ Commit to 2 virtual outings per month with your Little
+ BIG Couples must meet all of the above requirements and be in a relationship of 2+ years.
VIRTUAL MENTORSHIP
VIRTUAL ORIENTATION
Learn more about us by attending an info session via video meeting or phone call
MATCH PROCESS
Before our team identifies a Little for you, we complete a background and reference check
MENTOR
Once your application is approved, you’ll e-meet your Little for the first time via video meeting

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
You’ll meet with your Little twice a month as a virtual mentor.
Together, you can connect via virtual outings, talk on the phone, text or write letters. Big Brothers Big Sisters will provide recommendations for outing ideas from virtual field trips to online games to play together.
The quality of time invested with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help him see the world through a different lens so you can inspire him to become something he never thought possible.
Yes, you will participate in a volunteer training workshop where we will walk you through situational scenarios to help prepare you for your match. We also have a series of online videos for you to watch to feel completely comfortable in your match. In addition, your match support specialist will be there every step of the way to offer customized support as your match progresses.
Take online drawing classes. Go on a virtual field trip to a museum, national park, zoo or aquarium. Read an e-book. Play games like I-Spy or Desert Island. Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. Most important: Keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!
In the beginning it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little and the impact you have on their life.
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there 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.
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a positive role model to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!