Get Your Answers Right Here
Browse frequently asked questions about volunteering.
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, Inc. (BBBS) is a non-profit agency, established in 1975, that serves Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. The mission of the agency is to help children reach their full potential through professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. The program matches volunteer mentors, 18 and older, with children aged 6–18.
What does a "Big" do?
A Big is an adult who provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship and positive reinforcement. Bigs are good listeners, people who care and people who want to help bring out the strengths in young people. Bigs are not Santa Claus, parents, social workers or babysitters.
How is Big Brothers Big Sisters different from other mentoring programs?
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of America is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the nation, with over a century of proven success. Several characteristics distinguish our programs:
- One-on-one, friendship-based programs with flexible scheduling and activities
- Thoughtful matching process that takes into consideration each child and volunteer's personality and interests
- Professional, ongoing support and resources provided to our volunteers and families throughout their involvement with BBBS. Each volunteer is assigned their own Match Support Specialist, who checks in with the volunteer regularly and is there to answer questions, troubleshoot any problems and provide activity ideas.
I don’t live in Milwaukee – is there a program near me?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee serves all of Milwaukee and Waukesha counties. To find an agency location outside our service area, please visit our national website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
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Why should I volunteer as a Big?
Being a Big Brother or Sister is a fun, rewarding experience that will have a direct, positive impact on a child in your community. Our Bigs tell us they get many benefits: the chance to be a kid again, the opportunity to introduce a child to new things, the pride of being a part of their Littles' achievements and the feeling their volunteer time makes a real difference.
What volunteer options are available?
We offer two programs, community-based and site-based, with varying time commitments and scheduling options.
Community-based mentoring offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity for you and a child to explore the community and your mutual interests. You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer in the community-based program.
Site-based mentoring allows you to meet with a child at one of our school mentoring sites at the same time each week. On-site staff help plan your activities, which all take place at the site. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and no longer in high school to be site-based Bigs.
What qualifications do I need to have?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old for the site-based program and 21 years old for the community-based program, but you don’t need previous experience with kids or a special degree. You just need to be a reliable and responsible friend and have the willingness to share time with a young person. A background check, reference checks and interview are required to ensure child safety and match compatibility.
Big Brothers Big Sisters does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, physical condition, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
What is the process for becoming a Big?
The easiest way to get started is to fill out the online sign-up form. After completing the short form, a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative will contact you. You'll need to:
- Fill out an application
- Provide personal references
- Go through a criminal background check
- Participate in a one-on-one, in-person interview
To learn more, go to our Enrollment Process page >>
What's the time commitment?
In order to build a friendship that will have a positive effect on a child’s life, we ask our volunteers to be part of a two-year relationship with their Little and meet three to four times a month.
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I don’t have experience with kids – can I still be a Big?
Definitely! Big Brothers and Sisters aren’t babysitters or social workers – they’re friends. One of our staff experts, a Match Support Specialist, will be there to help you out if you have any questions.
Will this cost me a lot of money?
Being a Big is free. The cost of the activities is up to you and your Little. We suggest you keep activities low- or no-cost in order to focus on building your relationship and not on how much you're spending. You'll find there are lots of fun things to do with your Little that cost very little money or none at all. Take a look at our activity ideas and volunteer newsletters for ideas.
Who are the Little Brothers and Little Sisters?
Our "Littles" are children, ages 6 to 18, who are in need of another positive, adult influence in their lives. Most children in our programs are involved because their parents/guardians recognized the need for additional guidance and support.
Our Littles come from many racial, ethnic and religious groups, but the majority are African American and Hispanic children residing in Milwaukee's central city, North Side and Northwest Side and Waukesha.
How do I know I’ll get along with my Little?
Our main objective is to match the right volunteer with the right child in order to create a successful relationship. All volunteers and families go through an application and interview process in which we learn details that help us make the right match. Once you’re matched, one of our staff members will be assigned to oversee the relationship to make sure it’s rewarding for both you and your Little and to help you through any rough spots.
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How do I come up with activities?
Being a Big isn’t about planning major events or outings – it’s just about sharing your time with a child. It can be as simple as including a kid in what you already like to do. Some activities are playing basketball, cooking a meal, planting a garden, riding bikes, helping with schoolwork, going to the zoo or reading a book.
Our matches also have access to donated tickets to area events including sporting events, music, arts and education. A discount program with local businesses provides great deals for Bigs and Littles at restaurants, entertainment venues and more. We also provide a newsletter and online resources with lots of activity suggestions.
What type of support will I receive?
You, your Little and your Little’s parent will have regular, ongoing contact with your Match Support Specialist to make sure things are going well. If you should ever have a question, concern or need advice, you can feel free to contact us. Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides online activity ideas and sends out regular newsletters and e-mail alerts about free and inexpensive events.
How else can I get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Financial and in-kind donations, special event participation and community partnerships help us reach many more children in need and support our thousands of existing match relationships.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee at a glance:
Service Area: Milwaukee and Waukesha counties
Programs: One-to-one youth mentoring at eight sites and throughout the community
Kids Served: more than 2,000 in 2009
Ages of Kids: 6-18
Ages of Volunteers:
18-99 (you're never too old!)
Volunteer Commitment: 3-4 meetings/month for at least one year
