Become a BIG
If you are interested in becoming a BIG, you can either download volunteer application form and electronically submit it in this page, or email it to applications@bbbsmidflorida.org. Application can also be picked up at our office at 1155 NW 13th St. Gainesville, FL 32601.
Applications for our Pen Pals for Haiti (PPH) Program are also available. Fill out PPH volunteer application and email it to applications@bbbsmidflorida.org. Click here for instructions.
If your fingerprints are requested from BBBS, fingerprint cards can be picked up at our office. For more information, please call 352.375.2525.
THINK BACK TO YOUR YOUTH…
Who was the person, other than a parent, who brought a little magic into your life, just by being there? Perhaps it was a teacher, a coach, or a grandfather. They introduced little moments of magic to you and shaped who you are today. By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you too can bring a little magic to the life of a child. You will build treasured memories through a friendship that will change your life, and the life of your Little, forever.
Imagine a child’s eyes lighting up the first time he or she walks into the Swamp for a football game, or gets to go fishing for the first time. Share in the excitement when a child reads a whole chapter by himself or remembers her “times tables.” Not only can you be there when it happens, but you can be the reason it did. With the help of dedicated and fun volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is able to provide positive adult friendships for many local youth. BBBS offers several mentoring programs to fit any lifestyle or schedule.
BIGS INSPIRING SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS (BISS) PROGRAM
As a Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success BIG, you would spend one hour or more each week with your LITTLE at a school or after-school program. As a “match”, you and your LITTLE would enjoy activities such as reading together, sharing lunch, working on computers, doing arts and crafts, and playing games or sports, and much more! If you are a responsible adult who knows how to be a good friend and have fun, you could be a BIG in this program! More importantly, this is your chance to encourage a child academically and socially.
Eligibility: Age 18 or older, academic-year commitment
COMMUNITY-BASED MENTORING PROGRAM
As a Community-Based Mentoring BIG, you would spend six hours or more each month with your LITTLE enjoying activities in the community that interest you both, such as fishing, playing board games, baking cookies, going to ball games, attending cultural events, visiting parks, and much more! If you are a responsible adult who knows how to be a good friend and have fun, you could be a BIG in this program!
Eligibility requirements: Age 21 or older, reliable transportation, one-year commitment
COUPLES MENTORING PROGRAM
The Couples Mentoring (CM) Program provides an opportunity for couples to give long-term, one-to-one mentoring to children, ideally siblings in the same family, who need and want a mentor. This program can operate through the Bigs in Schools and Sites Program, the Community Based Mentoring Program, or through the Sports Buddies Program. Please see those program description for more details.
THE GRAND PROGRAM
The Grand Program (GP) provides an opportunity for grandparents and retirees to give long-term, one-to-one mentoring to children who need and want a mentor. This program can operate through the Bigs in Schools and Sites Program, the Community Based Mentoring Program, or through the Sports Buddies Program. Please see those program description for more details.
SPORTS BUDDIES PROGRAM
As a Sports Buddies BIG, you would hang out with your LITTLE playing sports or attending sporting events! BIGS model good sportsmanship, teach life skills, and build solid friendships on the court or in the field. If you are a responsible adult who knows how to be a good friend and have fun, you could be a BIG in this program! This program can operate through the Bigs in Schools and Sites Program or the Community Based Mentoring Program. Please see those program description for more details.
BIG LITTLE PEN PALS
BBBS is recruiting volunteers who want to make a difference beyond our borders. We are starting a series of pen pal programs across the globe to match Bigs and Littles as pen pals. Our current pen pal programs include:
Pen Pals for Haiti–In partnership with Caribbean People’s Relief, BIGS are matched as pen pals with the orphans of Montrouis, Haiti. Letters are exchanged monthly and outgoing letters are translated from English into Creole and/or French by volunteers in the community. If they choose, BIGS will have the opportunity to travel with Caribbean People’s Relief at least once a year to visit with their LITTLES!
Eligibility requirements: Age 18 or older, academic-year commitment
(Revised Sept 2009)