Defend their potential
You don’t need any special qualifications to be a mentor. A kid will never ask that you be perfect, only that you be present. And we’ll support you every step of the way.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Community Based
Our traditional program, where we match an adult mentor with a youth in our community and they meet for at least 12 months. We hand select every match based on information we collect during the enrollment process including shared interests, geography, and personality.
Meet 2-4X Per Month
Matches meet 2-4 times per month for a few hours each time at a time that is convenient for both the Big and the Little.
Hang Out In The Community
The match can do activities they both enjoy like going to the park, making dinner together, play games, etc. We always encourage matches to find low to no cost activities in our local community to participate in.
Site Based
Our Site Based program allows Volunteers to meet with their Littles once a week during the school year at the Little’s school.
1X Per Week
Volunteers and Littles meet once a week. Matches meet on the same day and the same time. We work with the volunteer to find a day and time that will work best for them each week.
30-45 Minutes
Matches meet for 30-45 minutes each week during the school day. They spend time getting to know each other, playing games, doing crafts, reading, or other activities the match might enjoy.
High School Bigs
Our agency partners with local school districts in this powerful mentorship program that empowers high school students to create real change in their school community by mentoring elementary students. High school mentors (Bigs) build leadership, confidence, and empathy while younger students gain a relatable role model who helps them grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
What To Expect
Matches meet at the elementary school led by a trained BBBSMCR staff member. Each week activities are provided by our agency for the matches to engage in.
When Do They Meet
The matches typically meet during the school day. The exact day and time is determined by the school, and is what makes this program so adaptable to each districts needs! Most frequently matches are meeting weekly, or biweekly for the entire school year.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
We want to make sure that you know exactly what you are getting into. The process from signing up to becoming a Big could take up to 8 weeks in total. This is because we take care to screen everyone who comes into our program and we want to find the best match possible that will last a lifetime.
Application
Submit your application to become a big and a staff member will contact you.
Orientation
Learn the details of the program and complete the enrollment paperwork. During this time staff will contact your references and process background checks.
Interview
Meet with staff in person or virtually so that we can get to know you and better understand your personality and preferences so that we can determine your future Little.
Training
Complete training online provided through our National’s Office Learning Exchange Platform.
Match Presentation
Once our agency staff has carefully selected and enrolled the Little that would be the best fit for you we will present the potential match to you for approval.
Match Meeting
We will set up a time for you, your Little, their parent/ guardian, and our staff to meet in person for the first time!
Mentor
Spend time with your Little 2-4 times a month doing things you both enjoy! Throughout the life of your match you will receive regular contact and support from staff to ensure the match is on a path to success.
FAQ
How often do Bigs and Littles get together?
In our community program our matches meet 2-4 times a month at a time that is convenient for everyone.
In our site base program our matches meet weekly on a designated day and time, only during the school year.
What support is provided to our Match?
Every match has an assigned Match Support Specialist. In the first year of your match the MSS will contact the Big, Little, and their parent/ guardian monthly to ensure the match is going well. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or need guidance your MSS is available to you. After the first year of your match, match support contacts continue quarterly for everyone for the life of the match!
Do the parents/ guardians and children want to be in the program?
YES! Littles must want to be in the BBBS program. Enrollment involves an interview with both the parent and the child to ensure the child is enthusiastic about having a mentor, as the goal is to build a voluntary, lasting friendship.
What do I do with my Little?
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves, and if you are ever struggling to come up with activities reach out to your Match Support Specialist! We have a list of activities for matches to consider and try to regularly provide community events our matches can explore.
Do I bring my own activities for a Site Based Match?
No, you do not have to! At each our site locations we provide a bin of activities for our matches to utilize weekly. There are a variety of games, craft materials, and “tabletop” activities. Additionally if there is ever anything you feel your Little would really enjoy doing let your Match Support Specialist know! We try our best to keep the bins full of activities our matches are truly interested in.
What is the cost associated with the program?
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy as the agency receives donations.
Can I bring my spouse/ friend/ family member on outings with my Little?
In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
How long does a Match last?
In our Community Based matches, we ask that everyone is able to commit to at least 12 months of meeting 2-4 times a month. For our Site Based matches we asked that everyone be able to commit to at least 1 school year. Matches can go beyond the minimum and in fact our agency’s match length is almost double the national average!
How are matches made?
In order to achieve the best match possible, BBBS’ staff spend a lot of time with potential Bigs and with potential Littles and their parents. In addition to reviewing child safety precautions, staff talk about several different subjects during the interview process. “We really want to know what everybody brings to the table and what that child wants and needs. The most important factors in the match-making process are the preferences that a child and a parent have expressed regarding what they are looking for in a Big Brother or Sister, and also the preferences a Big has given about the kind of Little Brother or Sister he or she would like to have. BBBS’ staff aims to match Littles and Bigs who share common interests. Matches are also organized by distance. The goal is to keep the driving distance between a Big and their Little to within 20 minutes, if possible. Finally there’s the “X Factor,” that personality trait or life experience that comes through during the interview process that helps the match specialist determine the best possible fit for a Big and a Little.
What if a match does not work out?
We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up, Bigs or Littles move, situations change or something just doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it does not work out we will end the match. If this happens, agency staff will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible. Agency staff will also walk you through the next steps if you are interested in being rematched.
Are there other ways to get involved with the agency?
Absolutely! Throughout the year our agency hosts different events that have one time volunteer opportunities. Additionally, we always love to share about our mission and the work we are doing in the community with different local business. If you are interested in other ways to get involved, please select the “Contact our Team” button below.
Do I have to have a vehicle?
For our Community based program Bigs are required to have a nonrestricted MI driver’s license, reliable transportation (which can not be public transportation, or rideshare options), and they must provide proof of insurance coverage.
For our Site Based Program Bigs do not have to have their own vehicle, but they would need a reliable way to get to and from their Little’s school each week at their designated meeting time.
Is there an age requirement for volunteers?
For our Site or Community Based program, Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
BBBSMCR has the right to accept, deny, or close a match at any time. The length of time it may take to create a match varies.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Still have questions about enrollment or our programs? Click the “Contact our Team” button below and a BBBSMCR staff member will reach out to you.