On-Demand Volunteer Info Session

The first step to becoming a Big is completing a Volunteer Info Session. This session can be completed online on your own, and should take about 15-20 minutes—but if you would prefer to attend an in-person info session at our office, you can sign up for one here.

Make sure to watch all three videos and click "Submit" on the third page, and our team will follow up with you with next steps.

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What is the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters?

To provide financial assistance to families To help children find homesTo create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth

What counties does BBBS of Greater Chattanooga serve?

In TN: Hamilton, Bradley and MarionIn GA: Walker, Dade, CatoosaBoth A&B

Program Overview

Who is a Big?

A caring , consistent, and supportive person who is willing to share time, embrace differences, set and hold boundaries, and put a child’s safety and well-being first A counselor or family service workerA babysitter or tutor

What are some requirements to be a Big?

Must be able to make a 1-year commitment for approximately 4 hours a month depending on the program in which you choose to participateMust be willing to complete an application, background checks and interviewMust be willing to follow program guidelines and policiesAll of the above

In the Community-Based Program, mentors have to be at least 21 years old and have reliable transportation and auto insurance. They pick their Little up from their home and do things together in the community twice a month.

TrueFalse

In the Site-Based Program, mentors have to be at least 18 years old and they interact with their Little at the designated site where they meet, such as a school or after-school program.

TrueFalse

What are some other mentoring options BBBS of Greater Chattanooga offers?

Supporting youth K-3 once a week with their literacy skills through reading and play time Supporting teenagers as they plan for life after high school through the E-mentoring program that allows mentors and students to communicate through an online platform and meet in person once a monthSupporting adolescent youth ages 10-13 by engaging in workplace exploration through our Beyond School Walls Program where we bring the youth to your workplace (This program requires your employer’s consent and partnership as well as a cohort of other employees).Supporting young adults over the age of 18 as they enter adulthood through consistent mentoring and participation in BBBS Big Futures events.All the above

Who are the Littles?

Youth from all walks of life who want and need a mentor Youth who range anywhere from 6 to 18+Youth who are full of potentialAll of the above

What are some of the benefits of a mentoring relationship?

96% of Littles see their Big as a very important adult in their life98% of Littles have had no involvement or decreased involvement in the juvenile justice systemLittles are 2x more likely to enroll in post secondary educationLittles show a 20% increase in upward economic mobilityAll of the above

Become a Mentor

What happens in the Enrollment Process to be a Big?

Complete an applicationComplete a 1 hour online trainingComplete required background checks, including a digital fingerprintComplete an interviewIf applying for the Community Based program, complete a home visit All of the above

BBBS of Greater Chattanooga will accept anyone to be a Big.

TrueFalse. Being a mentor is a privilege and BBBS reserves the right to accept or deny participants or to close a match at any time. Potential volunteers will be disqualified for the following:

✓ Failure to complete the screening process

✓ Past history of sexual abuse of children

✓ Conviction of any crime involving children

✓ History of any sexually exploitive behavior

✓ Termination from a paid or volunteer position caused by misconduct with a child.

✓  Demonstrating or expressing racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or religious discriminatory views

What does the BBBS Match Support Team do for you once you are matched with a Little?

They provide regular check-in calls to give support and feedbackThey provide information, resources, and training if neededThey provide ideas for building a friendshipThey provide problem-solving and interventions when there are bumps in the roadAll of the above

Inquiry Form

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Next Steps

I want to be a Big!

I'm not quite ready—keep me in the loop via email!

I want to learn about becoming a financial supporter!

I want you to come speak to my business/employees!

I was referred by a....

Staff Member

A Current or Former Big

Board Member

Diversity Task Force

UTC Bigs

Name of person who referred you

Staff Member Name

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