Volunteer FAQs
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 Little and parent all agree you are a perfect match, you will then:
- Have a match introduction with your new Little and their family along with a trained staff member
- Meet your Match Support Specialist, who will help guide you through any difficult situations
- Receive ongoing mentor training opportunities, so you can constantly learn new skills on mentorship
- Have the opportunity to connect with other Big Brothers and Big Sisters in our SD Bigs Family through networking events and match events
– You will also have the opportunity to join our Young Professionals Committee or Big Ambassadors
Reflecting on your own experience, did you have a mentor growing up, or did you wish you had one? Now is your chance to make a difference. Apply to be a Big now, a few hours a month can change a child’s life.
Still have questions?
Please call (858) 536-4900 and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
