Become a Mentor
Why should I become a mentor?
A little time makes a big impact. There are hundreds of Bigs in our community who are changing a child’s life in just a few hours a month. Being a Big Brother, Sister, Couple, or Family is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you will ever do. The best part is, it’s a lot of fun! You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.
There’s more than one way to be a mentor—our programs are designed so you can get involved in the way that works best for you.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Community-Based Mentoring Program
- Coordinate with your Little’s parent/guardian to meet up after school, on the weekends, or in the evenings to hang out in the community. You can go hiking, attend sporting events, play board games, watch a movie—the possibilities are endless! Outings usually last a couple hours and take place twice a month.
- Share this unique volunteer experience with your loved ones! Our community-based mentoring options include Big Brothers, Sisters, Couples, and Families.
- Community-based mentors must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and pass a background check.
School-Based Mentoring Program
- Meet up with your Little at their school during lunch hour once a week. Matches can talk, play games, create art, or do other activities on school grounds.
- School-based mentors must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and pass a background check.
School-Based Plus Mentoring Program
- School-based matches oftentimes transition to school-based plus or community-based after getting to know each other. School-based plus matches can get together at the Little’s school for lunch or in the community at their convenience.
- School-based plus mentors must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and pass a background check.
Want more information before you apply?
Please fill out this form and we will contact you soon.
Ready to apply?
If you’re ready to start the enrollment process, please click the button below.
*Note: This application is for volunteers who live in Fond du Lac County and Northern Dodge County in Wisconsin. If you live outside of this area, please visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national website to search for your local agency.
Big FAQ
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit agency that creates professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships (matches) between youth (Littles) and caring adult role models (Bigs).
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit!
We strive to follow your preferences closely. During the application process, we learn specifics about the child, the parent/guardian, and yourself which will help us make a match. These specifics include age, religion, personality, family backgrounds, and ethnicity. After information is exchanged regarding a potential Little, you will have the final say as to whether or not this is the right fit for you.
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!