How to Become a Big
Thank you for considering becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Taking an interest in the life of a child creates the opportunity to change their life in ways that are very special. You need no special skills or training. You only need to care enough to commit to a relationship with a young person who needs the friendship and support of a "Big". Your patience and commitment will earn their trust and over time you will likely get much more than you give in the relationship.
There are three options for potential Bigs: Community Based Mentoring, School Based Mentoring and High School Peer-to-Peer Mentoring. Each option is briefly outlined below, and links to application materials are provided. We encourage you to contact Lauren Bradshaw for additional enrollment information, and for assistance with the application materials. All completed forms can be faxed, mailed or delivered in person to our office:
909 Islington Street # 4
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 603.430.1140 Fax: 603.430.7760
Lauren Bradshaw, Enrollment and Match Specialist: X302
Community Based Mentoring:
You must be 18 years old. Once you are interviewed and approved, you will meet with your "Little" in the community. You pick your Little up from his/her home and spend one-on-one time doing any variety of community activities. Some bigs spend time at the beach, hiking, at museums or enjoying a movie. Generally, Community Based matches spend 2-4 hours a week together. BBBSGS offers group activities monthly for Bigs and Littles.
School Based Mentoring:
You must be 18 years old (except for High School Big Programs detailed below). Bigs are processed and interviewed exactly as a community based Big. Once a week during the school-year you meet with your Little at his/her school for one hour. Time is spent playing board games, sharing recently read books, doing crafts, reviewing homework, or taking a walk. Because the Big is processed as a community based volunteer he/she may also occasionally visit with his/her Little in the community or attend a group activity sponsored by BBBSGS.
Adult Volunteer Application
Adult Volunteer Pre-Interview Questionnaire
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
BBBSGS Volunteer Orientation Guide.pdf
High School Bigs Peer-to-Peer Mentoring:
High School Bigs are 15-18 years old. High school students are trained, supervised and supported in these matches with elementary and junior high students. The Bigs and Littles meet after school once per week at the Littles’ schools. This model provides positive outcomes for both the high school students and the Littles.
High School Volunteer Application
High School Volunteer Parent Permission Form
High School Volunteer Pre-Interview Questionnaire
High School Volunteer Reference Form
How to Become a Little
It is great that you are considering a Big Brother or Sister for your child. We understand that you are considering sharing the most precious gift in your life, your child. We also understand that you are offering your child a wonderful gift of a “Big”. Parents make this decision for many reasons such as a child with multiple siblings needing just a little extra one to one time, or long work schedules that limit your ability to spend one to one time, or a child who does not engage in extra curricula activities that bring other adult leaders into their lives. There is no single reason for making this choice but there are several wonderful outcomes that make it the right choice. Our children experience increased self confidence, self esteem and overall improved quality of life. We applaud your decision to join our family.
Enrolling Your Child
You may start this process by filling out the application below and submitting it to our office. An enrollment specialist will contact you within two days. Of course, if you have questions, please call us at 603.430.1140.
Child Application
Child Pre-Interview Questionnaire
Child School Match Referral Form
BBBSGS Parent/Guardian Orientation Guide
Board Membership
If you are interested in Board Membership you have found a great Board of Directors to join. Our Board members meet monthly for a formal Board meeting and must also participate in at least one committee. Please click here to view the profiles of our current Board members, and to review the BBBSGS Board expectations.
The process to become a Board member begins with a call to our Board President. (You may contact him through our office in Portsmouth 603.430.1140). All new members are interviewed by the President and the Executive Director. This meeting also allows prospective new members to more fully explore their interest in our Board. If at the end of this process both parties wish to move forward a background check must be completed and the candidate must be presented to the full Board for review and acceptance.
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