BECOME A BIG
WHY BE A BIG?
Mentoring tells a young person that there is someone in their corner. It lets them know they matter. We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. And, right now is no different. Mentors are in high demand, so decide to make a difference today.
All Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rochester volunteers go through a screening process to help create a safe, meaningful, and lasting relationships.
OUR PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY BASED
Traditional BBBS mentoring program matching youth in the community one to one with adult mentors who meet once a week for at least one year.
BIGS IN BLUE
Bigs in Blue is a program focused on building relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS
Beyond School Walls program matches youth with an adult mentor that takes place at the mentor's place of work to expose students to workforce opportunities.
MENTORU
MentorU is a 1-to-1 high school mentoring program, focused on career readiness and college preparation.
HIGH SCHOOL BIGS
This program matches high school students one to one with elementary littles in a one day a week after school program at their school.
STEPS TO BECOMING A BIG
STEP 1: Application
Complete the online application here. On the application, you will select where you would like to volunteer: in the community, at a school, or at work. Once you submit your application, our Volunteer Enrollment Specialist will call you to schedule a one-hour, in-person interview.
STEP 2: Orientation & Interview
When you arrive, you will attend an hour-long orientation to provide you with an overview of the services offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as a training session on child safety and healthy Big-Little relationships. After the orientation, our Volunteer Enrollment Specialist dedicated to supporting you throughout your volunteer experience will conduct an interview to get to know you better. This allows BBBS to make a match that takes into account your interests, background, and personality.
STEP 3: In Depth Screening & Match
When you come in for the interview, you will need to bring a copy of your driver’s license and a printed statement of your auto insurance liability coverage. BBBS will run your fingerprints and conduct a Level II national background check on you; child safety is our number one priority!
Once your background comes back clear and our Volunteer Enrollment Specialist makes a final recommendation for acceptance, you become a Big ready to be matched. Our Volunteer Enrollment Specialist will use the information you provided to recommend a Little.
STEP 4: Match Introduction
For one-to-one mentoring, our Volunteer Enrollment Specialist will schedule a time for you to meet your Little and your Little’s parent or guardian – an opportunity to start getting to know each other in a supported environment. For community-based mentoring, you will also schedule your first outing with your Little.
STEP 5: Ongoing Support
Your Program Specialist will provide ongoing support to make sure the relationship continues in a positive manner. When talking to your Program Specialist, feel free to share successes with your Little! It is also important to voice any concerns you may have to allow your Program Specialist to make recommendations or take action to fix any issues; this allows for a lasting, fun, and impactful relationship between you and your Little.