REQUIREMENTS to become a Big:
- Be at least 18 years old (or 16 years old for site-based)
- Be able to commit to at least an hour a week for at least a year
- Be a positive role model
- Be in good overall physical and mental health, including substance abuse issues
- Have a driver's license and auto insurance if transporting a child within the BBBSTV program
- Not had a felony in the last 5 years or a DUI in the last 3 years
- AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATIONS: past history of any criminal arrests in which children were involved, history of sexually exploitive behavior, termination from a paid or volunteer position caused by misconduct with a child, or having more than 3 citations/moving violations
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PROCESS to become a Big:
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FAQ's for Bigs:
How is it determined which child will be matched as my Little?
We take your preferences and match them up with the parent/guardian and child's preferences, which we obtain from all match parties during the interview process. We want there to be a foundation to build on and do our best to match based on those preferences.
What if the child and I don't connect?
Your Match Support Specialist is there to provide support and intervention to get past hurdles, if possible. It could be that the child is afraid to trust you or open up to you due to frequent disappointment from others in his/her life. Match relationships take time to grow.
What kind of activities do Bigs plan with their Littles?
There are a lot of activities that require little or no money like parks, visiting the Y, going to the library, etc. Additionally we offer match activities multiple times throughout the year that not only provide a free activity but allow Bigs and Littles to built peer networks. The idea is to just spend the time together. Parental consent should also be obtained.
Will I become a replacement parent?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. You will be someone they can have fun with and confide in. Someone who can spend quality, one-to-one time with them.
We can't answer all questions on here since every situation is unique, but we are willing to answer any other questions you might have about being a Big!
We take your preferences and match them up with the parent/guardian and child's preferences, which we obtain from all match parties during the interview process. We want there to be a foundation to build on and do our best to match based on those preferences.
What if the child and I don't connect?
Your Match Support Specialist is there to provide support and intervention to get past hurdles, if possible. It could be that the child is afraid to trust you or open up to you due to frequent disappointment from others in his/her life. Match relationships take time to grow.
What kind of activities do Bigs plan with their Littles?
There are a lot of activities that require little or no money like parks, visiting the Y, going to the library, etc. Additionally we offer match activities multiple times throughout the year that not only provide a free activity but allow Bigs and Littles to built peer networks. The idea is to just spend the time together. Parental consent should also be obtained.
Will I become a replacement parent?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. You will be someone they can have fun with and confide in. Someone who can spend quality, one-to-one time with them.
We can't answer all questions on here since every situation is unique, but we are willing to answer any other questions you might have about being a Big!
