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What is a "Big?"
A Big is a mature adult, age 18 years and up, who is interested in being a part of a child's life 4 to 8 hours a month for a minimum of one year.
What is a "Little?"
A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child in our program between ages 6-16. Our Littles come from all different backgrounds and socio-economic groups, but the common denominator is that child can benefit from an additional positive adult role model in their lives.
How do the children and parents get into our program?
All of the children and their families join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee because they want to get involved with a positive program that works. They usually hear about us through word of mouth, from their friends, relatives, schools, and other Bigs and Littles.
What is a "Match?"
A match is the pairing of a Big Brother to a Little Brother, a Big Sister to a Little Brother/ Little Sister, or a Big Couple to a Little Brother. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children that have similar interests in order to make the best possible match.
What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
The individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a result of being matched has proven to help them avoid drugs and alcohol, keep them in school and greatly reduce the likelihood they will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors. Our programs have a direct and lasting impact on education, public safety and economic development in our community and these are shared concerns for everyone.
Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience?
You do not need any special skills or experience to be a Big. Just spending time and caring about your Little makes a big difference in the life of a child. We were all kids once; it does not take any special skills to be a friend.
Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Many Bigs describe their experiences with their match by saying, "I get to be a kid again." Imagine a child's eyes lighting up the first time he or she walks into a baseball stadium or tours a college campus. Not only can you be there when it happens, but you can be the reason behind the wide eyes and smile!
And while this is a very natural friendship, you will notice small changes in that child’s life as you ask about their school day, their interaction with their peers, or plans after graduation. It is through your interest and concern for that child that they realize their future can be brighter than they previously realized – and the child will make better, healthier decisions along the way towards realizing that goal.
Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time?
Big Brothers Big Sisters has flexible volunteer opportunities to fit anyone's busy schedule.
Community Based Program: Through consistent outings in the community, the child and volunteer spend 4-8 hours a month on a weekly or bi-weekly basis developing a friendship that results in positive outcomes for the child. The volunteer and parent/caregiver work together as partners to improve the likelihood of the child’s success.
Site Based Program: One to one mentoring takes place a minimum of one hour once a week at the child’s school or at an after-school site.
What do Bigs and Littles do together?
In the Community-based Program, Bigs and Littles enjoy playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over school work, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities or just hanging out. Most everything that Bigs and Littles do together is fun and beneficial to both the adult and child.
In the Site-based Program, Bigs visit their Littles at school and provide extra attention, help with schoolwork, and friendship. Whether they play games, shoot baskets, work on school assignments, eat lunch together or just sit and talk - both the volunteer and the child enjoy and benefit from their time together. Depending on the Site selected by the volunteer, they will meet sometime during the mid-day hours (over a lunch hour for example) or after work, for one hour a week.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
The idea is not to spend a lot of money, but instead to spend fun, quality time with a child. You can take a hike, go jogging in the park or just talk. It does not have to cost anything. Also, our agency provides a number of low and no cost activities that you can take advantage of on a first come first serve basis. Through donations from several area attractions and individuals, our agency also offers free and discounted tickets to many sporting and cultural events.
As a Big, what kind of support will I get from Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Each match has a professional Match Support Specialist who is there to support the child, parent and volunteer. The Match Support Specialist helps with any problem solving, feedback and information to help the match along.
What is the enrollment process like to become a Big Brother or Sister?
Just call us or complete an application. If you are ready, we'll schedule a personal confidential interview. We submit a criminal background check, driving record check, and call your personal and professional references. Volunteer training is also provided.
Can I enroll as a volunteer with my spouse?
Yes! Couples Program: A couple married one year or more is matched as a couple with a boy age 10 and under. The couple may mentor one to one by alternating contact and/or interacting together with the child, assuring there are opportunities for one to one time. Each member of the couple must meet all eligibility requirements.
Volunteer (BIG) Requirements:
- All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older for the Site-based program and 21 years of age or older for the Community-based program.
- A resident of Middle Tennessee for at least three months
- Submit to a National Background and Sex Offender Registry Check
- Provide Driver’s License Number and Social Security Number
- Provide proof of own transportation and insurance information
- Provide 3-5 personal references
- Ability and willingness to commit to a one year commitment of 4-8 hours monthly
- Participate in an in-depth fact-gathering interview conducted by professional staff
Steps to Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister:
1. Express Interest: Complete the volunteer inquiry form in person, via our website or over the telephone with a Big Brothers Big Sisters Customer Relations Specialist. (www.mentorakid.org or 615.329.9191)
2. Apply: Complete the volunteer application. Applications can be completed on our website, via hard copy, or over the telephone with a Customer Relations Specialist.
3. Interview: A Customer Relations Specialist will schedule your interview with one of our enrollment staff. The interview takes approximately 1.5 hours and will be conducted at the agency office.
4. Upon Approval: Complete the required Volunteer Training. Training is approximately 1.5 hours long and will be held at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.
5. Get Matched: After the completion of your application, interview and background check we will begin the process of finding a suitable match. The volunteer and the child will be given brief biographical information about each other. If both parties agree to proceed, a match introduction is scheduled. A Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will accompany you to make the introduction.
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