Be a BIG - Mentor Opportunities in Washington County

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Community-based Mentoring
Community-based mentoring is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters program and is open to anyone over the age of 18 years of age with at least a high school diploma or GED. Volunteers must be able to commit to meeting with a child 2-4 times per month for at least one year and must have a valid driver's license and adequate transportation with liability insurance as required by the State of Arkansas. As a volunteer, they must also have a home environment that is suitable for a child. Volunteers are matched with children based on common interests and preferences. Matches participate in activities such as going to the park, attending sporting events, going to the mall, visiting museums, making art projects, etc. Activities must be approved by the child's parent or guardian prior to meeting with the child. We currently serve children in Washington and Benton Counties through this program.

Site-based Mentoring
Site-based mentoring is open to anyone over the age of 18 years of age with at least a high school diploma or GED. Volunteers must be able to commit to meeting with a child once a week at a partner site for an hour during breakfast, lunch, or after school for at least one year. Volunteers are matched with children based on common interests and preferences. Matches participate in activities such as playing on the playground, reading a book, playing board games, basketball, creating art projects, etc. We currently serve children at Washington Elementary,YvonneRichardsonCommunity Center, Bayyari Elementary, and Jones Elementary.

Enrollment:

The enrollment process of a volunteer involves completing an application, an in-person interview and orientation with a staff member, a home assessment, the following background checks: the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Human Services, federal, state, and county criminal history checks through First Advantage, and three references. Volunteers must attend a training session subsequent to the interview.

Once an interview takes place, it takes about 4-6 weeks to process all references and background checks. Because Big Brothers Big Sisters matches Bigs with Littles according to like interests and hobbies, the match process may also take some time.

All matches are required to speak with an assigned Match Support Manager on a monthly basis. Match Support Managers are here to help Bigs and Littles build positive relationships, work on any issues that might occur, and provide any information and activity ideas as needed.