Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN

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Volunteer Application/Enrollment Process

The process of becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family involves several steps that are important in both ensuring the suitability of potential volunteers and providing BBBS staff with the information needed so that the best possible match can be made with a child in the community.

To become a Big, you complete an application then meet with an agency representative so we can get to know you and make a match that's right for you. The enrollment process also acquaints volunteers with their upcoming role as a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or Big Family and helps connect them to the program that best fits their needs and time availability. Parents/guardians put a great deal of trust in our agency to provide them with volunteers who are appropriate, reliable, use good judgment, and can be a stable and positive influence in the life of their child. Therefore, all volunteers complete the same process, but each is assessed (personal background, life experience, interests, skills, etc.) on an individual basis.

The enrollment process includes the following steps:

Complete and return application, providing us with references. (Other references may be requested throughout the process.)
Complete in-person interview/home assessment.
Driving record and criminal background record check.
Complete BBBS training.
Upon completion of the process, a volunteer's file is reviewed and acceptance or non-acceptance is decided. If a volunteer is accepted, a suitable match will be proposed. Once a match is made, the Case Manager maintains regular contact with the volunteer, parent/guardian, and child in order to provide ongoing support for the duration of the match relationship.

Once you are matched with your Little, you get together on a regular basis. Your friendship is supported by professional agency staff person who answers your questions, provides assistance, and keeps you informed about agency happenings and special events.

To ensure an increase in the quality and length of our matches, our volunteer requirements have changed. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is no longer actively recruiting seniors in high school or college students in their final year. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this change.

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at (320) 253-1616 to make the first step toward enriching your life and the life of a child or email Sharon at: sharren@bbbscentralmn.org

Program Options:

Community-Based Program:This program allows the volunteer (“Big”) to spend one-to-one time with his or her Little brother or Little Sister (“Little”) out in the community or at home. During this time, we encourage our matches to participate in activities they both enjoy. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are asked to spend a minimum of 2-4 hours per week with their Little and to commit to the relationship for a minimum of one full year.

School-Based Program: While participating in our school-based program, the volunteer and his or her Little spend time one-to-one at the child’s school. Activities include playing games, talking, or spending lunch time together. Our Bigs spend 1-2 hours per week with their Littles and are asked to make a minimum commitment of one year to their relationship with the expectation that they keep in touch via phone or mail over the summer months. School districts currently served include: Avon/Albany, Big Lake, Elk River, Foley, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud.

Site-Based Program: In our site-based program, the volunteer spends time with his or her Little at a designated site in the community. Activities can be one-to-one or involve other matches. Activities include various sports, board/video games, and crafts. Our Bigs spend 1-2 hours per week with their Little and are asked to make a minimum commitment of one year. Current sites include Bel Clare Estates and Boys & Girls Clubs.