Be a Defender of Potential
Become a Big
We're bigger together
The first step to empowering a young person in our community is knowing what options exist!
Watch or Sign up for one of our Info Sessions by clicking below
Sign up for In Person Info Session
To start the process of becoming a Big or learn more about how you can partner with our agency, you can watch our pre-recorded Info Session above or sign up below to attend one in person with a member of our team!
Have Questions?
Schedule some time with our Volunteer Engagement Manager to discuss program options, one time volunteer opportunities or other ways you can connect with our agency. They can answer any questions you may have and guide you through the various ways you can make a meaningful impact on a young person in Middle TN.
You can be the difference
Young people today face an opportunity desert, where access to resources, networks, and meaningful support remains limited. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we believe every young person deserves a community that accepts them as they are and empowers them to reach their fullest potential. Through one-to-one mentoring, we help close the gap between people and possibilities, providing the support and guidance our Littles need to dream big and achieve their goals.
The foundation of impactful mentorship is connection. That’s why we carefully pair Bigs with Littles based on shared experiences, interests, and aspirations, fostering relationships that are authentic, meaningful, and mutually beneficial. Right now, countless young people in our community are looking for a positive role model, someone to help ignite their potential. By becoming a Big, you have the chance to transform a young person’s future—and they’ll transform yours, too.
98%
of Bigs feel "confident in their ability to handle the challenges of being a mentor"
10
average hours of training and professional coaching for volunteers in their first year as a mentor
90%
of our Littles say their Big is the stable and supportive adult in their life
Steps to becoming a Big
Step One
Watch or Attend an Info Session
The first step to becoming a Big is learning about our different program options and what it means to be a mentor with our organization. You can attend an info session in person by signing up here or watch from the comfort of your couch here! After that, make sure you fill out the form attached to let us know you are interested in becoming a Big.
Step Two
Complete an application
Once you indicate you are interested in becoming a Big, we’ll send you an application. These applications help our team start to get to know you and include references, a background check and signed permission forms to participate in one of our programs.
Step Three
Interview
We’ll get to know more about you to determine if our program is a good fit and to help us make the best match possible between you and a Little. Prior to your interview, you have the option to complete a pre-questionnaire that will help our interviewers prep and collect information on your background and availability.
Step Four
Acceptance
Our team will review your application, background check, and interview to confirm your eligibility and make sure our agency is a great fit for you to volunteer. Upon acceptance, our team will begin the exciting process of looking for your match. We match carefully and thoughtfully based on personalities, values and geographical location to create meaningful connections between our Bigs and Littles.
Step Five
Pre-Match Training
While you wait, we’ll have you complete your final step which is a 1 hour online training. This training will dive deeper on what to expect and prepare you for your match relationship.
Step Six
Presentation & Match Meeting
A lot of thought and intention goes into our matching process, which can take some time. However, once we find that best fit match our team will call to present both the Little and Program to you. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and make sure it feels like a great fit from the start! If all parties of the match agree it’s a good fit then we will move forward with scheduling your Match Introduction Meeting and officially start your mentoring journey!
THE BIG CIRCLE REFERRAL PROGRAM
Already a Big? Have a friend or co-worker that you think would make a great mentor? We need your help finding more mentors in our community! We encourage you to refer people in your life who you think could help empower the next generation. Or reach out to our team about referring a company or organization for an info session.
Already have someone in mind? Fill out the referral form below!
Paid media for the "Become a Big" campaign is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
