Volunteer: Be a Mentor
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.
Youth Mentoring Programs for Phoenix Volunteers
Volunteer: Be A Mentor
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 viewed the Virtual 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, Ana Ridenour at aridenour@bbbsaz.org or 602-393-4107.
Watch Virtual Info Session
STEP 01
ATTEND ORIENTATION & COMPLETE QUIZ
STEP 02
APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW
STEP 03
ONLINE PREMATCH TRAINING
STEP 04
GET MATCHED
STEP 05
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
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.
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
Volunteer Opportunities that Fit Your Schedule
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: In the site-based mentoring program, 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 times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)
Esperanza Elementary
Cross-Streets: Loop 101 & 7th St
(MEETS Thursdays & lunch times vary from 11 AM - 1 PM)
ICAN Youth Center
Cross-Streets: Arizona Ave & Pecos
(MEETS every other Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 PM)
Loma Linda Elementary
Cross-Streets: 20th St. & Osborn
(MEETS Mondays between 11 AM -1 PM)
Lowell Elementary School
Cross-Streets: 3rd Ave & Buckeye
(MEETS Tuesdays & lunch times vary between 11:30 AM-1 PM)
Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School
Cross-Streets: Thomas & I-17
(MEETS Tuesdays & lunch times vary between 10:30 AM-1 PM)
North Tempe Multi-generational Center (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets:Near Scottsdale Rd & McKellips
(MEETS 1st & 3rd Thursday between 4:00-5:00 PM)
one•n•ten LGBTQ Youth Center
Cross-Streets: Central Ave and Portland
(MEETS every other Saturday from 11 AM-1 PM)
Rosenzweig Branch (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: I-17 & Camelback Rd
(MEETS 1st & 3rd Mondays between 4:15-5:00pm)
Sacaton Boys & Girls Club
Cross-Streets: Seedfarm & Cholla Ave
(MEETS every other Wednesday from 4:30 PM-5:30 PM)
San Marcos Elementary
Cross-Streets: Frye & Arizona Ave
(MEETS Thursdays & lunch times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)
Scales Technology Academy
Cross-Streets: 5th St & Hardy
(MEETS Thursdays & lunch times vary between 11 AM-1 PM)
UMOM (Group Mentoring)
Cross-Streets: 32nd St and Van Buren
( MEETS 1st & 3rd Wednesday between 3:00-4:00 PM)
All BBBS participants, including youth, families, volunteers, board and staff serving as volunteer Bigs are not excluded on the basis of race, ehtnicity, religion, national origin, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status or disability.
