Volunteer to start something

Go big.

We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. And, right now is no different. Big Brothers are in high demand. So, Start Something.

For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their lives. And sometimes it’s as simple as playing video games, going to a museum, or just hanging out together.

Why do we need Big Brothers?
More than 70% of our children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in a boy's life. So join the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that give a young person someone to look up to. And learn why so many are now saying, “I get back so much more than I give.”

A call to men of color.
Disproportionately the children we serve and those waiting to be matched are African-American and Hispanic boys.  Their parents seek our support, knowing a Big Brother can recognize their son's potential and model positive choices that put him on the path for success in and out of school.

But don’t just take it from us. Check out some Real Life Stories of Bigs & Littles right here. And if you still have questions, head over to our Big Brother FAQs for more answers.

Ready to be a Big Brother? Just fill out our simple online application. After you complete it, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you shortly.

For more information about being a Big Brother, please contact Andrew Snyder, Customer Relations Specialist, at 312-207-5602.

Steps to become a Big 

• Start the volunteer process by clicking on the application link above.
• Provide a frequently used email address on your online application
• Receive specific steps via email from a BBBSMC staff person
• Provide additional information for a detailed background check and reference check 
• Attend a volunteer orientation
• In-person interview following the completion of the background and reference checks
• Receive notification of acceptance into the program

Volunteers must meet the following criteria to be matched with a child in our Community Based Program:

• Be at least 21 years old
•  Volunteers must meet one of the following residency criteria:
  
  1. Be a US citizen and lived in the US at least 12 months prior to applying
  2. If studying or working abroad, volunteer must provide Faculty Advisor or Direct Employer as a reference while abroad.
  3. Be a legal US resident for the past 2 years
  4. Have a valid student or workers visa for the past 2 years
• Commit to a minimum of a 1 year relationship, meeting 2-4 times a month
• Own a car and have a valid DL and proof of insurance (or provide proof of membership to a car-sharing program).
• Must have 3 years of experience driving with a valid DL.
• Be willing to drive up to 30 minutes to pick up your Little
• Allow the agency to conduct a thorough Criminal Background and Driving Motor vehicle Check
• Pay a one-time application fee of $27
  

Volunteers must meet the following criteria to be matched with a child in our Site Based Program:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Volunteers must meet one of the following residency criteria:
1. Be a US citizen and lived in the US at least 12 months prior to applying
2. If studying or working abroad, volunteer must provide Faculty Advisor or Direct Employer as a reference while abroad.
3. Be a legal US resident for the past 2 years
4. Have a valid student or workers visa for the past 2 years
• Be willing to commit to program on a weekly basis.
• Be able to attend the entire program meeting for a minimum of 1 school year, usually October-May.
• Be able to participate in regular phone contacts with a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff person.
• Volunteers provide their own transportation to and from the program meetings.

For more information about being a Big Brother, please contact Andrew Snyder, Customer Relations Specialist, at 312-207-5602.