It’s time to Go Big
It Takes Little to Be Big
At the heart of our organization are incredible adults making a positive impact on the lives of youth throughout their communities. These are the Bigs that make Big Brothers Big Sisters a powerful force for good. If becoming a Big interests you, then guess what? You already have what it takes to be a fantastic Big!
SEE YOURSELF AS A MENTOR
Create a positive influence and lasting impact in your community and transform a youth’s potential for tomorrow by becoming a Big. Join us in inspiring, igniting, and defending the potential of Northern Nevada youth!
WHERE TO START. WHAT TO KNOW.
Begin your journey with a one-hour virtual group training session. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the program and what it entails. Practice for your role as a Big, where you’ll spend 4-6 hours a month with your Little, offering them the invaluable gift of friendship!
BECOMING A BIG
Ready to start? Complete our brief interest form and begin your journey as a Big today. Explore program details below.
THE COMMITMENT
“I knew it would impact the little
I didn’t know it would impact me so much.”
– Big Sister
PROGRAM OPTIONS
To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth in Reno, Sparks, Fernley, and Carson City.
COMMUNITY-BASED
Community-Based mentoring is a flexible program that pairs Bigs and Littles for meaningful one-on-one community outings that build confidence, connection, and lifelong positive habits.
This option is perfect for Bigs who want to explore and engage in the community with their Little.
- Meet after school or weekends
- Weekly contact (in-person, 4 hours minimum per month)
- Activities like hikes, museums, grabbing ice cream
BIGS WITH BADGES
- For Bigs who are first responders
SITE-BASED
Site-Based mentoring is a structured program that pairs Bigs and Littles at a designated site and time to build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and discover their full potential.
This option is perfect for Bigs who want structured time in a controlled environment with their Little.
- Meet in-school
- Weekly contact (Meet 4 hours total a month, 1 hour per week during school sessions)
Partners’ Match
You and a partner can both mentor a Little together.
How to Get Started
Bigs have guidelines that are essential in order to ensure they are best equipped for their role as a leader in the community. Some of those guidelines include:
Completion of a formal application
Prospective mentors are required to fill out an application prior to being seen for an in-person interview.
Background and reference checks
Prospective mentors are required to undergo a thorough background check in order to ensure they are suitable role models for the youth.
An in-person interview
The process for finding the best possible Big for a Little is an important one that requires a deep commitment to ensuring the candidate meets the criteria. We gain this understanding through our in-person interviews, which allow us to see first hand the person that could be given the responsibility of guiding a youth.
Training and Orientation
Prior to being matched with a mentee, the Bigs will undergo training in order to provide valuable insights into mentoring, as well as our program’s expectations and guidelines.
Availability and Consistency
Bigs are expected to spend quality time with their mentees through various forms of interaction, as it is key to building a trusting bond.
Genuine Care and Support
We believe that one of the most crucial requirements is that the mentor understands their role as a role model for their mentee. Bigs have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of their Littles through compassion, patience, and listening. These key traits allow the Big to best support, encourage and guide their mentee.
NOMINATE A BIG
Do you know someone who would make a great Big? Click here to nominate them! Our staff will reach out to them, share your nomination, and answer any questions they may have about becoming a mentor. For help starting the conversation, contact Volunteer Specialist, Ma’kayla Porter, at [email protected].
Your network includes:
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Significant others
- Businesses you frequent
- Sports league teammates
- Friends from church
- Co-workers
- Greek Life members
- Hobby group