Big FAQs

What is a Big?

We're always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. And, right now is no different. Big Brothers especially are in high demand.

For a few hours, a couple of times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can start changing their life. Play a board game, make fun crafts, or hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little's potential.

Ready to be a Big? Just fill out our inquiry form to get started! After you complete it, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you shortly. So many of our Bigs tell us that becoming a Big was the best decision they ever made. So, what are you waiting for?

Know Someone Who Would Make a Great Big Brother? 

At BBBS Lincoln, we're always looking for more men to be mentors. We have boys ready and waiting for a match with a role model. So tell the guys you know to sign up and become Bigs. They can do all the fun things they love to do already, like see movies, play video games, and go hiking, only now they get to enjoy it with a young person who can truly benefit from it.

More than 70% of our children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in a boy's life. So join the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who give young people someone to look up to!

The Steps to Become a Big

Step 1: Complete an inquiry form. The form will ask for your basic information and automatically enters you into our database. After you submit this, someone from our office will contact you shortly to complete the full application and walk you through the rest of the process.

Step 2: Attend an informational session. Our informational session and orientation will answer your questions and help prepare you to get the most from your volunteer experience. 

See below for a list of upcoming informational sessions!

Step 3: Submit background check paperwork, provide references, and complete your interview questionnaire. Potential Bigs must pass background checks and have a good driving record. Our staff will also ask you to provide contact information for three personal references and an employer reference (if you’re employed). You will also have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire before your interview so we can get an idea of your background, interests, and what you are looking for in a match.

Step 4: Meet for an interview. You will need to complete an interview so we can get to know you and what you'd like to gain from your match.

Step 5: Make a Match. After you’ve been approved in our system, our Enrollment Coordinator will begin searching prospective Littles for you. Many things determine a good match, and Enrollment Coordinators do an excellent job of selecting Littles based on common interests, personalities, and other measures that are important to a successful friendship.

Step 6: Meet your Little. Once both you and your Little agree to the match, it's time to meet up!  Most volunteers say this is an exciting moment, and some tell us they feel a little nervous. That’s natural! The Littles are excited too, and your Match Support Specialist will be with you to make introductions, go over some ground rules, and help “break the ice.” After introductions and a little final paperwork, you and your Little can take off for your first outing, which is usually a short activity to help begin your friendship. Your Match Support Specialist will help with ideas if you need them.

Step 7: You are matched. Once you are matched, you and your Little will choose how you’ll spend your time together. Remember – our program is based on the sharing of simple, everyday moments. You don’t have to invent elaborate or expensive outings. Simply spend time with your Little on a regular basis and watch your friendship grow. Your Match Support Specialist will be in contact with you throughout the life of your match and will help ensure you and your Little are enjoying your friendship. They will also inform you about free tickets, special events, and other BBBS activities.

Step 8: Have fun! This program is flexible and allows you and your Little to grow your own unique friendship. Sharing a little of yourself with youth is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Be proud of yourself for making this commitment! Enjoy how good it feels to be Big!

Upcoming Informational Sessions