Volunteer as a BIG for Twin Cities youth! đŸ€©

BE A MENTOR

Winter Picnic 2023-24_Big & Little

April is National Volunteer Month! We’re inviting all of you adults to volunteer as Bigs for Twin Cities youth! Whether you’re inspired by your own mentors, looking to get involved, or are a community advocate who wants to support youth, there’s a place for you at Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

As of April 1st 2025, we have 655 youth looking forward to being matched with a mentor. By becoming a Big, you’re also helping reduce youth wait times of up to 12 months! Keep scrolling to learn more about volunteering in our mentorship programs. And when you’re ready to amplify youth potential as a Big, sign up below to start your mentoring journey! #BiggerTogether

SIGN-UP

Interested in being a Big? 

Take a minute to sign up and tell us a little bit about yourself by completing this short form. Once you click submit, you’ll receive an email with two next steps: 

đŸ“ș Watch a 4-minute info session video to learn more about volunteering as a mentor.
⚡ As soon as you’re ready, complete the application to kickstart your mentoring journey!
📧 Questions? Drop us an email at volunteers@bigstwincities.org.

Contact Information






Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities!

Unfortunately, you must be at least 16 years or older to volunteer with us as a youth mentor. We hope you'll consider reconnecting with us in the future.  

In an effort to be as inclusive as possible and reach out to potential volunteers in all areas of the Twin Cities, we would welcome you to share your background to the extent you are comfortable in the questions below.

















Next Steps
Once you click “submit”, you’ll receive an email from us with a pre-recorded info session and an application link. Please take 5 minutes to watch the video and then apply!


If you have any questions, feel free to email us at volunteers@bigstwincities.org.




BIG Questions, Answered

đŸ€đŸœ We’re here to help you every step of the way! Get the down-low on volunteering as a youth mentor with these frequently asked questions.

What does the volunteer application process look like, and how long do I have to wait to be a Big? It only takes a moment to start your application to be a Big!

It only takes a moment to start your application to be a Big! The process involves six steps and takes 2-4 weeks: 

1. Sign up using the form above
2. Watch a 4-minute information session video
3. Submit your application
4. Complete an interview, background and reference check
5. Complete online training
6. ACCEPTANCE into our mentorship program!

We know waiting for your match can be difficult once you’re accepted. Please know that we take great care into matching you with a Little based on hobbies, interests, personalities, location, family feedback, and much more. We’re certain it’s worth the wait! With over 600 Littles waiting to be matched, we do our best to ensure that you are matched as soon as you’re accepted into one of our mentorship programs.

How old do I have to be a Big? The minimum age requirement to be a Big is 16 years-old to 19 years-old, depending on the mentoring program you join.

The minimum age requirement to be a Big is 16 years-old to 19 years-old, depending on the mentoring program you join. And no one is too old to be a Big! Many of the Bigs in the Twin Cities are post-retirement age, and the Littles value their time, energy, and dedication.

What is my role as a mentor/big? You’re like the cool older sibling! 😉 A Big is a trusted mentor and friend.

You’re like the cool older sibling! 😉 A Big is a trusted mentor —someone who shows up, listens, and encourages a young person to see all the possibilities ahead. As a Big, you’ll be a positive role model, a supporter of their dreams, and a defender of their potential, helping them navigate life with confidence. You will be a friend, cheerleader, and fun person for a Little. 

A Big is not a substitute parent, disciplinarian, tutor, financial provider, or counselor. Being a Big isn’t about fixing or teaching—it’s about showing up, being a consistent, supportive presence, and having fun while building a meaningful connection.

Do I have to have a driver's license to be a Big? Not all our mentoring programs require you to have access to a vehicle. It's all about finding the right fit for you!

Our Community-Based Mentoring Program requires a driver’s license and car so that you can safely transport your Little to and from activities. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, no worries! You’re more than welcome to use public transportation or ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft for our Site-Based, Grad Coaches, or Free Arts Mentoring Programs.

How do I get matched with a Little? Once accepted into a mentorship program, we ensure you are matched with a youth based on multiple criteria.

Once accepted into a mentorship program, we ensure you are matched with a youth based on criteria including proximity, interests, identities, hobbies, compatibility, and goals. Ultimately, Bigs and Littles choose each other!

Do I have the option to mentor with my significant other? Absolutely! You and your significant other can both be youth mentors as a Big Couple in our Community-Based Mentoring Program.

Absolutely! You and your significant other can both be youth mentors as a Big Couple in our Community-Based Mentoring Program. Big Couples do not have to be married, but must be in a long-term relationship. As a Big Couple, both mentors have the option of going out one-on-one with their Little OR all three can hangout and go out on outings together. Our Big Couples love the flexibility this gives their match. If you choose to go solo with your mentoring journey, know that you’re not alone, and we’ll support you every step of the way!

What kind of mentoring training or support do I receive once I’m matched? You will have access to multiple resources to support you throughout your journey as a Big.

You’ll have:

  • Personalized, dedicated staff member as your Match Support Coordinator. 
  • Monthly Big Meetups at our North Minneapolis office for mutual support and guidance on your youth mentoring journey. These meetups offer a safe space for you to discuss topics, share experiences, and strengthen the community of Bigs empowering youth. If you can’t make a meetup, you won’t miss out! We recap every meetup with all the information you need to stay up to date. 
  • Access to a social network just for Bigs to share ideas, fun experiences and mentoring successes they’ve had with their Littles, or to seek advice from others.
  • Connections to community resources, opportunities, and activity ideas to support you, your match and Little.

How long does a match last? While we ask for a minimum commitment of one year - many of our matches end up lasting a lifetime!

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year in our Community-Based, Site-Based and Graduation Coach Mentoring Programs, and 12 weeks for Free Arts. That one year matched with a Little is often not the end, though — many of our matches end up lasting a lifetime!

Do you accept and support LGBTQ+ youth and mentors? Yes! Belonging is one of our values, and we also create and support mentoring relationships for LGBTQ+ youth and volunteers.

Yes! Belonging is one of our values, and we also create and support mentoring relationships for LGBTQ+ youth and volunteers. We expect ALL volunteers to be accepting and affirming to LGBTQ+ youth and families and vice versa. We also provide Bigs with coaching and resources to help them explore personal identity and create safe spaces with and for LGBTQ+ youth.

What are other ways I can support Big Brothers Big Sisters? Whether you’re in the application process or not quite ready to start your journey as a Big, there are other ways you can support our mission.

Whether you’re in the application process or not quite ready to start your journey as a Big, there are other ways you can support our mission. You can help spread the word about Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities by hosting us at your volunteer fair, hosting a lunch & learn or info session at your place of work or hosting a Big Social Hour! Send us an email at thinkbig@bigstwincities.org. 

Learn more about other ways to support our mission.

DO SOMETHING BIG

DO SOMETHING BIG

Youth who have a mentor, another caring adult in their life, excel in many ways. It’s the student who makes measurable gains in academic performance. It’s the young person who is affirmed in who they are or want to be. It’s the young adult who has opportunities to explore and plan their future.

See the Stats.

WE SUPPORT YOU

WE SUPPORT YOU

Our professional and committed staff will be there every step of the way to provide support, offer encouragement, and connect you with valuable resources. You’ll also partner with the child’s family who play an important role in the match relationship. We also create space for mutual support and community for Bigs to get together like Big Meetups and Big Socials periodically during the year.

Learn about our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

HOW YOU JOIN

HOW YOU JOIN

The first step is to sign up to learn more about volunteering as a mentor. Take 5 minutes to watch the video on volunteering, and then you’ll then complete an application. Next, we’ll conduct a background check and interview to ensure youth safety.

When you’re accepted, we’ll match you with a youth based on shared interests, values, identities, hobbies, and/or location. This process can take a few days to few weeks, but we promise it’s worth the wait!

YOU DON'T NEED EXPERIENCE

You don’t have to be perfect nor have prior mentoring experience. Our volunteers come from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, but one thing they have in common is a willingness to see the best in young people. When asked to describe their ideal mentor, young people used words like “compassionate,” “playful,” “dependable,” and “willing to learn.”

BE A MENTOR

YOU DON'T NEED EXPERIENCE

READY TO DO SOMETHING BIG?

VOLUNTEER TODAY

YOUTH MENTORING HAS A BIG IMPACT

When children thrive, our community thrives. Research shows that for every dollar invested in BBBS, society receives at least $5 in benefits. We achieve this impressive ROI by connecting Twin Cities youth with supportive adult mentors.

  • 91%

    Kept or created plans for high school graduation and beyond

  • 86%

    Reported a strong or increasing level of engagement with school

  • 86%

    Stayed on track with or improved emotional regulation skills

HERE'S WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY

Mentoring has a ripple effect. We create and support mentoring relationships of belonging and safety that are beneficial and rewarding for the youth, families, mentors and our community.

  • 99%

    Report that their Little makes their life better

  • 90%

    Would encourage friends to become involved with BBBS

  • 90%

    Report having a positive and fun experience in the program

BIG MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES

Find the youth mentoring program that's right for you, future Big. We’ll support your volunteering journey through mentorship every step of the way.

Community-Based Mentoring Program Hang out one-on-one with a youth age 8-13 in the community to explore interests, activities and experiences. 2-4 times a month. 1 year commitment.

Adult volunteers like you (“Bigs”) are paired with children ages 8 to 13 (“Littles”). You can participate individually or as a “Big Couple” (i.e. with a spouse or significant other). Each pair or “match” develops a unique relationship based on their identities, interests, hobbies, and values.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Commit to a minimum of one year
  • Meet with your Little 2 to 4 times each month
  • Be willing to partner with your Little’s family
  • Have a stable home address in our service area
  • Have a car (in order to transport your Little)
  • Recognize the value of a young person’s perspective by listening and uplifting their voice
  • And uphold our strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
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Site-Based Mentoring Program Meet up one-on-one with a youth age 7-13 at partner sites like a school or workplace to explore education, interests, and activities. 2-4 times a month. 1 year commitment.

Our site-based program pairs caring adults like you (“Bigs”) with children ages 8 to 13 (“Littles”) to meet one-on-one. In this program, matches meet at the Little’s school or the Big’s workplace* instead of out in the community. We are currently accepting site-based volunteers at schools in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
In order to volunteer in our site-based program, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Commit to a minimum of one year
  • Be able to meet with your Little during the school day or the hours when that program meets, 2-4 times per month.
  • Recognize the value of a young person’s perspective by listening and uplifting their voice.
  • And uphold our strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Learn More about Our Commitment to JEDI

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Free Arts Mentoring Program Share the love of art, creativity and self-expression with a group of youth through facilitated art projects at partner sites in the Twin Cities. 4 times a month. 12 week commitment.

Free Arts is a program that inspires young people to discover and express themselves through art. Caring adult volunteers, like you, engage kids in art projects at one of more than 20 Twin Cities partner sites.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Volunteer for at least 12 weeks, one hour per week
  • Recognize the value of a young person’s perspective by listening and uplifting their voice
  • Uphold our strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
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Graduation Coach Mentoring Program Support the educational journey of a group of youth ages 14-17 in a school while guiding them on their path to big futures. 2 times a month. 1 year commitment.

Grad Coaches support high school students in strengthening academic skills, improving study habits, cultivating healthy peer relationships, and developing plans for a career or post-secondary education. We are currently accepting Grad Coach volunteers only at HOPE Community Academy in St. Paul. 

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Commit to a minimum of one school year (~8-9 months)
  • Be able to meet weekly or bi-weekly for one hour during the school day
  • Recognize the value of a young person’s perspective by listening and uplifting their voice
  • Uphold our strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
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600+ YOUTH ARE WAITING FOR A MENTOR JUST LIKE YOU!

BE BIG NOW

A Journey Through Big Futures with Big Sister Jennifer and Littles Daterius & Kamira

My name is Jennifer Bartels, and it is truly an honor to be here with you tonight. I am a BBBS-er through and through. I’ve been a staff member since 2020, but my journey with this organization started long before that—as a Big Sister, as a leader in their former Young Professionals Group, and as a proud member of the North Minneapolis community. Read More

A Journey Through Big Futures with Big Sister Jennifer and Littles Daterius & Kamira

Mentors Making History: Big Brother Jerry’s Mentoring Journey is About the Power of Showing Up for Youth

For Jerry Woods, mentorship has always been about opportunity—helping young people recognize their strengths and step confidently into their futures. Every handshake, every shared laugh, and every game played as a youth sports coach reinforced his belief that with the right support, youth can thrive. Growing up with a single mother who instilled in him a strong wo ...

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Mentors Making History: Big Brother Jerry’s Mentoring Journey is About the Power of Showing Up for Youth

Mentors Making History: Dr. Angeline Dukes on Youth Mentorship, Representation, and Black in Neuro

Throughout history, women have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, paving the way for future generations. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are proud to introduce our newest series, Mentors Making History, where we highlight current Bigs who are making a ...

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Mentors Making History: Dr. Angeline Dukes on Youth Mentorship, Representation, and Black in Neuro

Barry and Stephanie’s Mentorship Journey: Generosity and Lasting Impact With Youth

For 15 years, Barry and Stephanie have generously given their time as BIGs, creating meaningful connections with three different matches. They’ve offered support, guidance, and friendship that kids need beyond their family, becoming a steady and positive influence in their lives. As longtime donors, they’ve also provided financial support that has helped fuel our programs and expand our rea ...

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Barry and Stephanie’s Mentorship Journey: Generosity and Lasting Impact With Youth

Youth mentorship creates cross-cultural connections for Big Brother Isaac and Little Brother Ethan

Isaac stepped into youth mentoring as a Big Brother in 2022. Growing up in Ghana, Isaac also had a mentor he looked up to, and remembers his Big Brother as a positive influence in his own life. Isaac discovered Big Brothers Big Sisters through a friend's recommendation, drawn by a desire to give back to his community, now the Twin Cities, in a meaningful way. Having a background in coaching soccer ...

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Youth mentorship creates cross-cultural connections for Big Brother Isaac and Little Brother Ethan

MEET SOME MATCHES

There's no better way to convey the power of youth mentoring than through the experiences of our Bigs and Littles. See for yourself the impact that another caring adult can have on a child by meeting some of our matches. And don't be surprised if you discover that the volunteers are often impacted as much, if not more, than the youth!

OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION Play Icon

OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our mission and values. The volunteers, youth, and families in our programs have diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. We strive to foster a safe environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and included. Learn More about Our Commitment to JEDI.

We also aim to create and support an equitable and respectful relationship between the volunteer, the youth, and their family. The young people in our program are seeking friendship, encouragement, and support. They are looking for someone to stand alongside them, not to save them. Our volunteers are another caring adult in a young person’s life, reinforcing the support network already provided by family, friends, and community partners. 

VOLUNTEER NOW