VOLUNTEER FAQS
WHO ARE THE BIGS IN THE PROGRAM?
They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need special degrees or job skills, just the desire to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit!
WHO ARE THE LITTLES IN THE PROGRAM?
Our Littles are children ages 6-18 looking for a mentor in their lives. They are referred by teachers, parents, counselors, and partner organizations. Parents that enroll their children in the BBBS program want the very best for them. BBBSAZ only enrolls children who want a mentor in their life and are ready and excited about being matched. The one thing they all have in common is that they want a mentor to be their friend and help them achieve their goals.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT
Volunteers must be willing to commit to being matched with a child for at least one year and meet with their Little Brother or Sister twice a month. Most matches last more than two years, but many last a lifetime. Every day we hear stories of matches who are still close friends even after their match officially closes! View impact stories here – www.bbbsaz.org/alumni
CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE, A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER ON OUTINGS?
At the beginning of your relationship, it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other which is best achieved on a one-on-one basis. However, over time, it’s important for your Little to know who is in your life. Keep in mind your Little may feel rejected or jealous if you spend too much time with others. The main focus is the friendship you and your Little will develop and the impact it will have on their life. However, we do offer our Big Duos and Family Matches that allow for the whole family to be part of the match.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND CHECK FOR? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A background check is required for all adult volunteers in contact with minors in our program to assure child safety. The fee is around $35.00. As a non-profit, we are unable to cover the cost of the background check.
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD IDEAS OF OUTINGS WITH MY LITTLE?
Take part in an activity you’re both interested in. Shoot some hoops at the park, play a game together, talk about music you like – the options are limitless! Select activities where you can both learn about each other. For children, playing can be learning. Most importantly: keep it simple and have fun.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I SPEND?
Quality time with your Little doesn’t have a price. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens and inspire them to become something they never thought possible. Our agency offers group activities that are a great way to meet other matches. You can also check out our exclusive Think Big program for our matched Volunteers to see upcoming free tickets and community events in the Valley.
HOW DO YOU MATCH A BIG WITH A LITTLE?
We conduct in-depth interviews with the Bigs, Littles and parent/guardians enrolling in our program so we can get to know all parties and make the best match. We make matches based on common interests, personalities, preferences, and geography.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT FROM BBBS?
Once matched, a Program Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide guidance, support, and feedback. They can help with activity ideas, guidance for handling a difficult situation, and feedback on your experience. Big Brothers Big Sisters also offers trainings and provides resources so that we can ensure that your match is successful.
WHAT PROGRAMS CAN I VOLUNTEER IN?
You can volunteer in our Community Based program or Site Based program. In the Community Based program, you will meet with a child in the community on days and times that are convenient for you. In our Site Based program, you will meet with a child at one of our partner sites on designated days during the child’s lunch break or after-school.
DO ALL VOLUNTEERS GET ACCEPTED?
No, not all Volunteers are accepted. This is based upon the results of the background check as well as the discretion of the agency.
DOES BBBSAZ ACCEPT LGBTQ+ VOLUNTEERS?
Yes. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona values diversity. All BBBS participants, including youth, families, volunteers, board, and staff serving as volunteer Bigs are not excluded on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status or disability. As part of the matching process, we will disclose such information to the parent/guardian. If preferences are not aligned, BBBSAZ will work to find a Little who we believe will be a good match for you.
DO YOU SUPPORT COURT-ORDERED VOLUNTEERING?
No, we do not allow court-ordered volunteering.