Volunteer FAQs

Being a Big Q&A:

1. Who can be a Big?
Anyone can be a mentor. It is about starting a consistent friendship and inspiring positive change to empower children to believe they can achieve their dreams.
Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Make at least a one-year commitment to the program
  • Meet with your Little Brother/Little Sister at least 2 times a month for 2-4 hours each time (Site-Based is 1 hour a week during the 9-month school year)
  • Possess a valid social security number, driver’s license and current car insurance
  • Have a safe driving record (no DUIs within the past three years; no more than two moving violations in the past year)
  • Never been convicted of a felony
  • No illegal drug use currently or within the last twelve months

2. What types of Programs are there to choose from?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County provides one-to-one mentoring through Community-based Mentoring. The foundational model of our mentoring program dictates that one child (“Little”) is intentionally “matched” with an adult volunteer (“Big”) in a long-term, professionally supported mentoring relationship. Please visit our Programs page for more information on our specialized programs and initiatives.

3. I am interested in becoming a Big. What are the next steps?
We are excited that you are interested! Please visit our Volunteer page to submit an inquiry and we will reach out with more information. If you can’t wait to learn more, attend our next volunteer information session where you will get to meet staff and other like-minded individuals as we walk you through the application process and answer any questions that come up.

4. What happens after the Info Session?

You will be contacted to set up an in-person interview. Your interview will help our staff better understand your personalities, preferences and interests. We then:

  • Conduct a background + DMV check
    • Contact your references
    • Have professional staff guide you step-by-step

5. When do I get matched with my new Little Brother or Sister?

Once a match is found, and you, the child and parent approve, you will then:

  • Meet your new Little and his/her family with a trained agency staff member
  • Meet your Match Support Specialist
    • Receive ongoing mentor training opportunities
    • Connect to other Big Brothers and Big Sisters in our SD Bigs Family through networking events and match events

Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing. So why not apply to be a Big today. There are kids out there ready to get started. Are you?

Still have questions? Please call (858) 536-4900 and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.