Understanding the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a national nonprofit organization that has been matching mentors with young people since 1904. The organization operates in all 50 states through a network of local agencies. Each local agency manages its own programs while following national standards and guidelines. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create meaningful, long-lasting relationships between adult mentors (called "Bigs") and young people (called "Littles") to help youth reach their full potential.
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The organization serves children and teenagers from ages 6 to 18, though some local programs may have different age ranges. BBBS focuses on youth who face adversity, including those living in poverty, experiencing parental incarceration, or dealing with other challenges. The mentoring relationships are structured, regular, and supported by trained staff members who check in with both mentors and youth throughout the partnership.
Big Brothers Big Sisters operates through several program models. The Community-Based Mentoring program is the largest, where mentors and youth spend time together in their local community doing activities like going to the park, playing sports, visiting museums, or getting meals together. The School-Based Mentoring program connects mentors with students during school hours or immediately after school. The Workplace Mentoring program pairs employees at companies with local youth. Each model is designed to build trust and support through regular contact over time.
The organization tracks outcomes and publishes research on the impact of mentoring. Studies show that youth in BBBS programs have better school attendance, improved grades, and stronger relationships with family members compared to similar youth not in mentoring programs. Understanding these different program models helps potential mentors decide which format might work best with their schedule and interests.
Practical Takeaway: Research your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency to learn which program models they offer in your area, as different communities may emphasize different mentoring formats based on local needs.
Who Can Become a Big Brother Mentor
Big Brothers Big Sisters welcomes mentors from all backgrounds, but the organization does have specific standards that mentors must meet. These standards exist to protect the young people in the program and to ensure mentoring relationships can be successful and stable. The basic requirements include being at least 18 years old and having a genuine interest in supporting a young person's growth. However, potential mentors should be aware that the organization conducts thorough background checks and may have additional screening procedures.
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BBBS looks for mentors who can make a genuine commitment to a young person. This means being reliable, showing up consistently, and being willing to build a real relationship over time. The organization typically asks mentors to commit to spending time together regularly—usually at least two hours per week or two times per month, depending on the program model—for a minimum of one year. This consistency is crucial because young people need to know their mentor will be there and that they can trust them.
People from different life circumstances can become mentors. A mentor might be a working professional, a retired person, a college student, a parent, or someone between jobs. What matters most is the person's willingness to be present and engaged with a young person. Some mentors have children of their own, while others do not. Some mentors have been through similar challenges as the youth they mentor, while others bring different life experiences. BBBS recognizes that diversity among mentors strengthens the program because it exposes young people to different perspectives and possibilities.
The screening process includes interviews, reference checks, and background verification. Potential mentors will be asked about their motivation for becoming a mentor, their availability, their approach to challenges, and their understanding of what the role involves. This process typically takes several weeks to a few months. The organization wants to match mentors thoughtfully with young people, so they take time to understand both the mentors' strengths and interests.
Practical Takeaway: Before contacting your local BBBS agency, think about your realistic availability and commitment level, since programs typically require regular participation over an extended period.
The Screening and Background Check Process
Background screening is a critical part of becoming a Big Brother mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters takes child safety very seriously, and the screening process is designed to protect the young people in their programs. Potential mentors should expect a thorough vetting process that includes multiple steps and may take considerable time to complete. This is normal and necessary, not a sign that anything is wrong with the mentor candidate.
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The screening process typically begins with an initial interview or information session. During this conversation, a BBBS staff member explains what the mentoring role involves, what the organization expects from mentors, and what the young people in the program need. The staff member also asks the potential mentor questions about their background, their reasons for wanting to mentor, their availability, and their approach to working with young people. This is an opportunity for both the potential mentor and the organization to determine if this is a good fit.
Background checks are standard and comprehensive. BBBS will request permission to conduct a criminal background check, which may include state and national databases. The organization may also check driving records, especially if the mentor will be transporting the young person. References are contacted to verify information about the person's character and reliability. BBBS staff may speak with former employers, personal references, or other people who can speak to the potential mentor's trustworthiness and how they interact with others, particularly young people if relevant.
BBBS also requires mentors to provide medical information and may conduct a health screening. This is to ensure mentors are physically able to participate in activities with youth. Mentors may be asked about any history of substance abuse or mental health issues that could affect their ability to mentor. The organization is not trying to exclude people with health challenges, but rather to understand the full picture and ensure mentors can provide a stable, safe presence.
Once all screening is complete, BBBS staff reviews all the information and makes a decision about whether to move forward. If a potential mentor is not approved, the organization typically provides feedback about why. Even if there are concerns, some people may be encouraged to reapply at a future time. The approval process is individualized, and staff members work to balance child safety with creating opportunities for people who genuinely want to make a difference.
Practical Takeaway: Gather necessary documents such as government-issued ID, references, and information about your availability before contacting BBBS, as these will be needed during the screening process.
Training and Preparation for Mentors
Before being matched with a young person, mentors participate in training provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters. This training teaches potential mentors what to expect in the mentoring relationship, how to communicate effectively with young people, and how to handle challenging situations that may arise. The training is designed to prepare mentors to build strong, healthy relationships and to understand the unique needs and perspectives of young people.
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Training covers several key topics. Mentors learn about child development and how young people at different ages think and process information. For example, what motivates a 7-year-old is very different from what motivates a 14-year-old. The training helps mentors understand these differences and adjust their approach accordingly. Mentors also learn about active listening, which is a core skill in mentoring. This means really paying attention to what the young person is saying, asking follow-up questions, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
Communication skills are another major focus of training. Mentors learn how to have conversations that are engaging and supportive without being judgmental. Young people need to feel that their mentor is interested in who they are and what they think, not just trying to change them or tell them what to do. Training teaches mentors how to ask open-ended questions, how to share appropriately about their own experiences, and how to create an environment where the young person feels comfortable opening up.
Training also covers boundaries and what mentors should and should not do. Mentors learn about appropriate physical boundaries, how to handle situations where a young person discloses something concerning, and when to involve BBBS staff. The organization emphasizes that mentors are not therapists or disciplinarians—they are supportive friends who can be a consistent, positive presence in a young person's life. Mentors learn the limits of their role and when to reach out to BBBS staff for support or guidance.
Many local BBBS agencies offer both group training sessions and one-on-one preparation meetings. Group training sessions allow mentors to meet others, discuss common concerns, and learn together. Some mentors also have individual meetings with a BBBS staff member to discuss their specific interests and the type of young person who might be a