
Volunteer
Every child is born with potential. But one-third of our nation’s youth are growing up without a positive role model. Stand with us to ignite, empower and inspire their potential.
STEP 1:
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
SESSION
Your first step in becoming a Mentor is to check out this 6-minute Volunteer Information Session.
STEP 2:
VOLUNTEER
ORIENTATION
Once you have view the Volunteer Information Session and would like to learn more about enrolling as a Volunteer Big, please register here to watch our Volunteer Orientation – which is a 30-minute recorded webinar.
If you prefer a live session, please register for one of our monthly live Volunteer Orientation dates listed below. If neither option works, please contact our Community Relations Coordinator, Elsa Rodriguez at erodriguez@bbbsaz.org or 602-393-4119.
STEP 3:
Application and Interview
STEP 4:
Online Prematch Training
STEP 5:
Get Matched!

WHO ARE OUR LITTLES?
Littles are children ages 6-18 looking for a positive role model in their life. Many live below the poverty threshold or in single-parent homes and come from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of interests. We currently have a waitlist of kids (mainly boys) who are looking for a mentor from their community. The role of the mentor is to provide emotional support and encourage them to see their self-worth. All our Littles need and deserve a mentor and friend.
Youth who have Mentors are:
- Less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol
- More likely to stay in school
- More likely to make positive choices for their future
VOLUNTEER ELIGIBILITY
- Be at least 18 years old
- Must have lived in the Phoenix area for a minimum of 3 months prior to applying to be in the program
- Commit to meeting with a child 2-4 times per month for at least one year
- Have transportation, a valid AZ driver’s license, and provide current proof of auto insurance (community-based program only)
- Be willing to transport your Little in your vehicle (community-based program only)
- Be able to pass a criminal background check (no felonies within the last 7 years) & driving motor vehicle check (no DUIs within the last 5 years). Pay fees associated with a background check (around $35)
- No use of illegal drugs within the past 3 years
- Be able to participate in regular phone contacts with a BBBSAZ staff person
OUR PROGRAMS
Community-Based Mentoring:
Meet up with your Little at least two times per month for one year to do things you enjoy when you both have the time. Explore your common interests by attending a sporting event, going for a hike, or cooking together! It’s up to you and your Little. You’ll be invited to exclusive match activities including sporting events, attractions, and gaming entertainment.
Site Based Mentoring
Bigs and Littles meet up at one of our partner sites, either at an elementary school during the child’s lunch break or at a youth center after school.
A Program Specialist will be at the site on designated days to facilitate activities and provide support for your match. Facilitated activities at some sites have included slime making, vision board collaging, games focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and trivia.
However, you can also spend your time shooting hoops or playing volleyball on the playground, helping your Little with homework, or just chatting about life over lunch.
The required commitment is 2 to 4 times per month for at least 1 full year.
Emerson Elementary
Cross-Streets: Alma School & University
Meets Tuesdays, lunch between 11:00 AM-1:00PM
ICAN Youth Center
Cross-Streets: Arizona Ave & Pecos
Meets every other Wednesdays, 4:30PM-5:30PM
Loma Linda Elementary
Cross-Streets: 20th St. & Osborn
Meets Mondays, lunch between 11:00 AM-1:00PM
Lowell Elementary
Cross-Streets: 3rd Ave & Buckeye
Meets Tuesdays, lunch between 11:30AM-1:00PM
Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary
Cross-Streets: Thomas & I-17
Meets Tuesdays, lunch between 10:30 AM-1:00PM
North Tempe Multigenerational Center
(Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets:Near Scottsdale Rd & McKellips
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 4:00 PM-5:00PM
one•n•ten Downtown Youth Center
Cross-Streets: Central Ave and Portland
(Meets 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 12 PM-2 PM)
Rosenzweig Branch – Boys & Girls Club
(Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: I-17 & Camelback Rd
Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays, 4:15 PM-5:00PM
Sacaton Branch – Boys & Girls Club
Cross-Streets: Seedfarm & Cholla Ave
Meets every other Wednesday, 4:30 PM-5:30PM
San Marcos Elementary
Cross-Streets: Frye & Arizona Ave
Meets Thursdays, lunch between 11 AM-1PM
Scales Technology Academy
Cross-Streets: 5th St & Hardy
Meets Thursdays, lunch between 11 AM–1 PM
UMOM (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: 32nd St and Van Buren
Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, between 3 PM-4PM
READY TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT?