Volunteer FAQs

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Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing

Mentoring Volunteer FAQs

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 six-month commitment to the program
  • Meet with your Little Brother/Little Sister at least twice a month for 2–4 hours each time
  • Possess a valid social security number
  • If transporting a Little, possess a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance
  • Have a safe driving record (no DUIs within the past three years; no more than two moving violations in the past year)
  • No felony conviction within the past 10 years (An applicant with a felony conviction more than 10 years in the past will receive additional assessment).
  • No illegal drug use currently or within the last twelve months
  • Individuals dishonorably discharged from military service are not considered

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.

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 meet staff and other like-minded individuals as we walk you through the application process and answer any questions.

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

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

Once a match is found and you, the Little, and the parent all agree you are a great match, you will then: 

  • Have a match introduction with your new Little and their family, along with a trained staff member. 
  • Connect with 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 in mentorship. 
  • 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.


Reflect 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 today — a few hours a month can change a child’s life.

Still have questions about how to become a mentor?

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

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