Be A Big
Change A Life
Potential Bigs can apply, interview, and train virtually. By becoming a Big at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, you could help change the future of a kid – and probably change yours too! You may feel as if you do not qualify to be a role model, but everyone is life-qualified to listen, share, and do fun things. If you become a consistent, genuine and trusted Big, your impact will go far beyond what you expect.
You can learn more at our virtual information sessions. Find a time here for an in person information session, or watch a pre-recorded information session by clicking the button below.
Change A Life
By becoming a Big at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, you could help change the future of a kid – and probably change yours too! Mentoring a kid on a one-to-one basis is one of the most impactful volunteer experiences you can have. Our volunteers constantly tell us that “they got more than they gave.” Studies find that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are more confident, more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol, do better in school, get along better with their family and friends, and feel better about themselves. You may feel as if you do not qualify to be a role model, but everyone is life-qualified to listen, share, and do fun things. If you become a consistent, genuine and trusted Big, your impact will go far beyond what you expect.
How To Become A Big
Step 1
Complete orientation.
Being a Big is a great experience for volunteers, but it’s also a commitment. Our orientation walks you through the expectations of being a Big.
Step 2
Complete Application.
Links to our form – Please be sure to fill out both forms – that way there is less to fill out later
Step 3
Complete Fingerprinting & Interview.
After we receive your application, we will send you links to select the best time for you to complete your fingerprinting, and then your virtual interview. Please make sure you have completed fingerprinting before your interview.
Step 4
Complete Your Online Training.
The online safety training walks you through how to have positive, effective relationships with your mentee and their caregiver. Your Enroller will register you and introduce the topic at your interview.
Step 5
Assessment.
While you are completing your training, our enrollment staff will be working to complete your reference checks and background checks.
Step 6
Meet your little!
Our staff will schedule a time for you to meet your Little and Family or School Staff.
How To Become A Big
Step 1
Complete orientation.
Being a Big is a great experience for volunteers, but it’s also a commitment. Our orientation walks you through the expectations of being a Big.
Step 2
Complete Interview.
After we receive your application we will send you a link that lets you select the best time for you to complete your interview at one of our offices. If you prefer to meet somewhere closer to your community just let our enrollment staff know. The interview takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.
Step 3
Complete Your Child’s Personal Safety Training.
After you have completed the interview our staff will send you a link to an 8-module online training, this gives you some good tips on working with kids, setting boundaries etc. We may have other in-person or on-line training that occurs later in the match due to your Little’s situation.
Step 4
Assessment.
While you are completing your training, our enrollment staff will be working to complete your reference checks and background checks.
Step 5
Complete Application.
Links to our form – Please be sure to fill out both forms – that way there is less to fill out later
Step 6
Meet your little!
Our staff will schedule a time for you to meet your Little and Family or School Staff.
Our Programs
Our community-based mentoring program matches responsible adults with under-resourced kids from the community, providing the youth with an additional role model. The Big and Little meet together two to four times a month and spend quality time with one another. The minimum volunteer commitment is one year. It is up to the matches to decide where they will meet and what they will do, but we encourage them to engage in meaningful one-to-one activities. As with all programs Bigs receive on-going support from our staff to help you along the way.
Throughout the academic year, Littles in the site-based mentoring program will meet with their Big weekly. Site-based programs take place in 15 different Elementary Schools across the state and generally meet in the after-school hours for one hour on a designated weekday. Bigs and Littles may work on schoolwork, play games, or participate in a planned activity together.
mentor2.0 is a technology-enhanced mentoring program focused on supporting high school students in preparing for college and/or career. Mentors work with their Mentees on goal setting, being resilient, staying on-track in high school, and preparing for college or life after graduation. Mentors in this program generally make a longer commitment to their Mentee and have a college degree.
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