VOLUNTEER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

After you’ve browsed our website, learned about our three different mentoring opportunities, and chosen the best program for you, you’re ready to start the process. Unsure which program is right for you?

Call us at (414) 831-4563.

Volunteers must be at least 18 and out of high school to volunteer in the School-based Program, at least 21 years old for the Community-based Program, and mentor2.0 volunteers must be at least 21 years old and have a college degree or equivalent combination of education, training, or experience.

Fill out the online volunteer inquiry form, or call (414) 831-4563 to answer your questions and outline your next steps, including the formal application process.

To apply you will need:

• Personal and professional references
• A divers license or other government issued identification
• Auto insurance information (Community-based only)

Then:

• You'll complete our online Volunteer Enrollment Form. This includes authorization to run an initial background check and annual background check on your use of electronic media, your driving record and criminal history. *All of this information is completely confidential.
• Our staff will thoroughly review your application, check reference, and complete multilayered background checks.

Because you’ll be working with a child in a one-to-one setting, it’s important to create a safe environment for both you and the child. We also want to make sure we pair you with a child who best matches your personality, experiences, and interests. For these reasons, our application and screening process is very comprehensive and can take up to three months. *Big Brothers Big Sisters does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, physical condition, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

(At this time, we'll only be offering virtual interviews using Zoom.)

When your application, background checks, and reference checks are complete and approved, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will meet with you and have a conversation about your life, family, interests, and volunteer expectations. Sometimes we will complete a second interview and/or home visit. Children and families who in enroll in our programs go through a similar process.

All new volunteers are asked to complete an online training. At training, you’ll learn how to handle situations that may arise during your match. Training is a great way to learn valuable tips to enhance your volunteer experience. A short time after you complete your training, you’ll receive communication indicating acceptance or non-acceptance.

After acceptance and careful consideration, we will contact you to talk about a child we think would be a good match with you. We’ll tell you a little about the child’s background, interests and personality. The child’s parent or guardian will learn the similar things about you. If you all approve of the match, we’ll schedule a time for you to meet your new Little Brother or Little Sister either virtually, or in-person as safety permits.

Meeting your Little for the first time is exciting and you might be a little nervous. Your Little will probably be feeling the exact same way. A Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will facilitate that introduction and get your match off to a strong start!

School-based and mentor2.0 meet for the first time virtually or at the school as safety permits. For a Community-based match meeting, you will meet your Little’s family virtually or in-person as safety permits and schedule your first one-on-one outing. We suggest planning low- or no-cost activities for the first few months to set appropriate expectations and put emphasis on building your relationship, not on spending money. There are lots of fun things to do that cost little or no money. We provide activity suggestions at your match meeting, as well as online under Programs: Community-based section.

Our involvement doesn’t end with making your match. You’ll be in communication with your Match Support Specialist (MSS) monthly. Your MSS will be in contact with you, your Little, and your Little’s parent/guardian regularly throughout the duration of your match. Always remember, we’re here to help you in any way we can so don’t hesitate to reach out to your MSS as needed.

In addition to monthly match support contacts, you’ll also receive emails about agency-wide activities. You can choose to participate in these opportunities or do your own thing – it’s up to you and your Little! We ask that spend time together per program requirements, follow our safety guidelines, and communicate with your Match Support Specialist.