FAQ's

How can I get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (BBBS of SDC)?
There are two main ways to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County: Volunteering or Making a Donation.
To Volunteer, you can apply online or call 1.858.536.4900 x 267.
To Donate, you can make a donation online or call 1.858.536.4900 x 224.

You can also make a donation by mail to: 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County
Attn: Development Department
8515 Arjons Drive, Suite A
San Diego, CA 92126

Are you the person we are looking for?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers from all walks of life, but right now there is a greater need for men, especially African American and Hispanic men, as well as bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) volunteers. There is also an increased need for volunteers from the mid-city area (City Heights, Logan Heights, Encanto), South Bay (Chula Vista, San Ysidro), East County (El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside), and North County (Oceanside, Escondido, San Marcos).  Big Brothers and Big Sisters are responsible, fun, caring volunteers who want to spend simple, everyday moments with a child.

There are other ways to become involved with our organization in addition to volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister.  Let us help you find the right fit for you!  Click on the following links for further information:

Ambassador Program

Auxiliary Group

Match Event Volunteer

Fundraising Event Volunteers

Do I need special training to volunteer as a “Big” (This is what we call our volunteer mentors)?
No special training is required. All you need is the willingness to spend time with someone (a child) who needs a friend.  BBBS staff provides support and individualized training for each match (or volunteer).

How much time is expected of me to spend with my “Little” (This is what we call our mentees)?
For a minimum of one year, you can spend anywhere from one hour a week to several hours a month depending on the program that you choose. Click here for a list of programs.

Who are Big Brothers and Big Sisters?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are all kinds of people -- from high school or college students to business people or retirees. Their similarity is their desire to make a difference in the life of a child.

Who are Little Brothers or Little Sisters?
Littles are youths, from 7 to 17 years old, who need and want a mentor. They come to Big Brothers Big Sisters either through a parent, guardian, or from the recommendation of a teacher or counselor. Littles are from single and two-parent homes, as well as grandparent and foster homes, and have a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. The genesis of a match is that a parent, guardian or teacher believes that a child could benefit from the presence of an additional caring adult in his/her life. The parent or guardian gives permission for the child to participate.

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters make a match?
A tremendous amount of due diligence goes not only into the creation of the match, but also to its support.  Matches are made after all parties are interviewed and asked for their preferences. Then the match is made based on the potential compatibility of the volunteer and child, as assessed by our professional Enrollment and Matching Specialists.  In the Community-Mentoring programs, the child, parent/guardian, and volunteer all give consent before match parties are introduced.  In the School-Based programs, matches are made at the school after the child and volunteer approve the match, and they are supervised by BBBS staff at every session.  During the course of the match in all programs, a professionally trained BBBS Match Support Specialist maintains regular contact with all parties. They oversee the match relationship and offer guidance as needed to ensure a positive, fun, and safe experience for everyone involved.

What does the screening process entail for the volunteers?
After submitting a $20 processing fee, the following checks will be conducted: Federal Criminal Background check, Department of Motor Vehicle check, National Sex Offender Registry, Social Security verification, and restraining order and warrant checks with the Sheriffs Department. In addition, all volunteers participate in an in-person interview with a BBBS Enrollment Specialist, and provide a list of 3-4 references. A home interview and assessment may also be completed.

Are there different ways Bigs and Littles can interact?
Yes. There are two types of programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Community-Based programs and Site-Based programs. 

In the Community-Based programs, Bigs and Littles are matched by trained professionals and participate in activities they mutually enjoy and agree upon, such as attending sporting events, going out for ice cream, going to the beach, and other everyday fun activities in the community. 

In the Site-Based programs, matches are supervised at a dedicated site, usually a school.  The matches meet for one hour each week, during after school hours on the regular district calendar school year schedule. In our Bigs in Schools programs, for instance, Bigs and Littles meet weekly at the child’s elementary school where they play sports on the playground or enjoy a board game in the library. 

How much will mentoring cost me?
Being a mentor is free. It is up to you and your Little to decide what activities you would like to do, but we encourage free or low-cost activities. Your Match Support Specialist will provide you with weekly community outing ideas that are free or low-cost. BBBS of SDC will also provide donated tickets to events on a first come first serve basis.