How do I become a Big?
Application -> Orientation -> Match Interview -> Little Introduction -> Ongoing Support
All volunteer Bigs go through a screening process to help create meaningful, lasting mentoring relationships. The application and enrollment process usually takes 4-8 weeks to complete. Volunteers are matched based on preferences and mutual interests. Once matched, you will have ongoing support throughout your mentoring relationship.
Step 1: Application 
Once you have completed the application you will receive a call and/or email from our Customer Relations Specialist (CRS) to answer any questions and ensure all of your information is submitted and complete. In addition to your application you’ll be asked to supply the following information: a copy of your driver’s license, a printed statement of your auto insurance liability coverage, and the name and contact information for three personal references. Please let your references know that we will be contacting them in order to prevent any delay in your application. You will also be required to submit a layered background check via Verified Volunteers at a nominal cost.
Step 2: Orientation Once your application has been completed it will be assigned to an Enrollment and Match Specialists (EMS). You will be invited to an orientation led by the EMS team that will provide you with information on child safety, healthy youth/mentor relationships, and an overview of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Step 3: Interview An interview will be scheduled with your EMS. The purpose of this interview is to get to know you better so that Big Brothers Big Sisters can help make a potential match based on your interests, background, personality, and what you are personally looking for from the program. Your EMS will make a final decision on whether they feel as though you are a good fit for the program and once they do, the information you provided will be used to help find a child, who we fondly call our “Littles”, that they feel would be a good match for you. You will be contacted and presented with the Little’s profile to determine if this is a potential match.
Step 4: Match Meeting This is a chance for Bigs, Littles, and parent/guardians to get to get to know one another within a supported environment. Match meetings are held at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office and are led by your EMS. Match meetings are a time for you to not only get to know your Little but also to get to know their parent/guardian in order to ensure that everyone feels they are a good fit for one another and can mutually work together for a successful match.
Step 5: Maintaining the Match Once the match is underway, you will be assigned a Match Support Specialist (MSS) and are free to make plans to meet with your Little in the community. Your MSS will support you throughout your match relationship through monthly contact. These contacts are made by phone, via email, or in person. These required contacts give you an opportunity to celebrate your successes, voice any concerns you may have, and ensure child safety with someone who is dedicated to making your match a lasting, fun mentor relationship — communication with your MSS is very important! Together you, the parent/guardian, your Little, and your MSS will work towards a long-lasting match relationship.
Ready to be a Big?
Complete an online application or submit a printed application via email to bbbs.info@bbbscentralcarolinas.org, fax to (704) 910-5633, or hand deliver or mail to 3801 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC. Once we receive your application, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you.
