Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
2. What is a "Big?"
3. What is a "Little?"
4. Who are Big Brothers and Big Sisters?
5. How do the children and parents get into the BBBS program?
6. What is a "Match?"
7. What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
8. Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience?
9. Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
10. Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time?
11. What do Bigs and Littles do together?
12. Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
13. How is a match supported?
14. What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer?
15. How long do most matches last?
16. Can my spouse/significant other/my children do activities with me and my Little?


1. What is Big Brothers Big Sisters? back to top
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the country. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit (BBBS) is to strengthen children in need through one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors.

2. What is a "Big?" back to top
A Big is a mature adult, age 18 years and up, who is interested in being a part of a child's life 2-4 times a month for a minimum of one year. A Big may also be a sophomore, junior or senior in selected high schools who wants to be a friend to a child in elementary school.

3. What is a "Little?" back to top
A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child in our program between the ages of 7 & 14. Our Littles reside in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and are from many different backgrounds and socio-economic groups.

4. Who are Big Brothers and Big Sisters? back to top
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are, foremost, friends to children. By spending as little as an hour a week with a child, “Bigs” share everyday activities and experiences that create magical memories and enrich the lives of both.

5. How do the children and parents get into the BBBS program? back to top
Children and their parents may be referred to BBBS or hear about us through various avenues. However, it is necessary for the parent/guardian to call BBBS and request our services if their child desires a positive role model.

6. What is a "Match?" back to top
A match is the pairing of a Big to a Little of the same gender, however, in certain situations, we make exceptions. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children who have similar interests and who live relatively close to one another in order to make the best possible match.

7. What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters? back to top
The individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a result of being matched has proven to help keep them away from drugs and alcohol, keep them in school and greatly reduce the likelihood they will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors. Another benefit of working with BBBS is the trained staff who are able to help you with questions or concerns throughout the course of your match.

8. Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister require experience? back to top
No. You do not need any special skills or experience to be a Big. Being able to spend time with a child is as simple as incorporating them in activities you already enjoy.

9. Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister? back to top
Many Bigs describe their experiences with their match by saying, "I get to be a kid again." At this time, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit has over 700 active matches in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. Imagine a child's eyes lighting up the first time he or she walks into a baseball stadium or sees the ocean. Not only can you be there when it happens, but you can be the reason it did.

10. Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time? back to top
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit has many flexible volunteer opportunities to fit anyone's busy schedule. As a Big Brother or Big Sister you see your Little Brother or Little Sister two to four times per month and do things that you already enjoy doing. The average outing is anywhere from one to four hours. Bigs in Schools go into the Little's school and spend one hour to join their Little during the lunch or after school to visit, play games and do school work.

11. What do Bigs and Littles do together? back to top
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 for both the adult and child.

12. Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer? back to top
The idea is not to spend a lot of money, but instead to spend fun, quality time with a child. You can go hiking, jogging in the park or just hang out and talk. All of your activities do not have to cost anything. Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsors free agency outings such as the Annual Picnic and Holiday Party. Big Brothers Big Sisters also offers free tickets to many sporting and cultural events.

13. How is a match supported? back to top
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.

14. What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer? back to top
The process to become a volunteer begins over the telephone with the volunteer inquiry. After the inquiry, the next step is to attend the orientation. Application materials are sent out between the inquiry and orientation phase. Applications are turned in at the orientation with $20 to cover the cost of processing.

15. How long do most matches last? back to top
We only ask for a one-year commitment in most of our mentoring programs. We find, however, that many matches last longer.

16. Can my spouse/significant other/my children do activities with me and my Little? back to top
Our focus is on the one-to-one relationship between mentor and youth. Although your Little will become comfortable with you, that might not be so if other people are consistently along. However, we do have an option called Couples Mentoring where two adults can mentor a child. This allows the mentoring relationship to be unique and doesn't raise issues like jealousy or rejection.