FAQs

For bigs

  • Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Our mentors are an inclusive group from all walks of life, including diverse ages, ethnicities, genders, religions, sexual orientation, countries of origin, and socioeconomic status. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit!

  • As a Big/Little team, you decide together what you want to do and obtain parental approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and get together on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide more guidance on this. Until your relationship is established, the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you.

  • The quality of time invested with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire them to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Shoot hoops at a local park, play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for both of you to enjoy.

  • Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go to the library to check out a book and read together. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Or hang out and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!

    1. Visit a museum, park, arboretum, or zoo (in-person or virtually)

    2. See a movie or documentary

    3. Go to the library

    4. Play a board game, cards, or work on a puzzle

    5. Start a book club together

    6. Work on homework together

    7. DIY Science project or check out virtual STEM activities

    8. Go for a bike ride, hike, fish, go for a run, or play basketball

    9. Tour a local college campus or attend a local college sporting event at University of Louisville, Bellarmine, Spalding, Simmons College, Indiana University Southeast, etc.

    10. Take a cooking class or crafts workshop

    11. Go to a driving range or minigolf

    12. Check out a local farmer’s market

    Ask your match support specialist for more ideas!

  • In the beginning, it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little and the impact you have on their life.

  • Once you are matched with your Little Brother or Little Sister, a professionally trained Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Your Match Support Specialist is always there to support you and your Little. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and provide feedback on how you are making a difference.

  • No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with and someone they can confide in: someone like you!

A man and a young man standing close together against a beige wall, smiling at the camera. The man is wearing a blue polo shirt with a logo on it, and the young man is wearing glasses and a light blue button-up shirt with khaki shorts.

For Littles

  • No. This is a free program for all families. In the School to Work program, BBBSKY and corporate sponsors cover all expenses. In the Community Based program the Bigs are responsible for the cost of the outings.

  • Yes. BBBSKY believes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is one where all youth, families, volunteers, and employees whatever their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, education, income, or health condition feels valued and respected.

  • We conduct in-depth interviews with the Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians enrolling in our program so we can get to know all parties and can make the best match! We make matches based on common interests, personalities, preferences, and geography.

  • Waiting time may vary because we are searching for a Big that best fits with your child. While you wait, we offer free activities and other services to keep you connected.

  • In the Community-Based Program it’s up to your family’s and the Big’s schedule, but most matches meet on the weekends. We recommend matches meet two times per month, for at least two hours at a time.

Our team is ready to answer any questions you might have about becoming a Big, being matched as a Little, or supporting our mission.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

CONTACT US