Become a Mentor: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, WI

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Since 1969, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As part of the nation's largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, we make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 6-18, living in Washington County. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Mission: Provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Vision: All children achieve success in life.

Behind this agency is a vast group of caring individuals who bring our mission to life. Parents and guardians who put their trust in us as they place their children in our program. Teachers who identify potential Littles. Principals and educational administrators who value our involvement. Volunteer Bigs who give their time and energy, and in doing so, find they get as much back as they give. Skilled, talented, staff who create and support quality Match relationships. Donors, whose generosity supports our organization and its expansion. Partners who share our ideals and believe in our vision. Board members and leaders at every level who open doors, and pave the way for our truly collective accomplishments. We are all part of something big.

Must be at least 16 years old and live or work in Washington County to be a Big Brother or Sister. High School volunteers must also have a GPA of 2.5 and parental permission to participate. Each potential volunteer must complete enrollment forms and a personal interview, agree to background and reference checks and attend a one-time training session. Volunteers are not required to have previous experience with kids or a special degree, they just need to be a consistent and responsible friend to a child. Community-Based volunteers must have a valid driver's license and car insurance. A Big Brother or Big Sister is not a substitute parent, but simply an extra friend and role model in the child's life.

In order to build a friendship that will have a positive effect on a child's life, Volunteers must commit to meeting with their Little at least twice per month for at least one year when volunteering as a Community-Based Mentor. As a School-Based Mentor, volunteers are asked to commit to meeting with their Little for about one hour, once a week for the length of the school year, with mail or email contact over summer.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Incarcerated Parent, Low Income, Parent Involved in Military, Single-Parent Household

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors, Reduce Recidivism, Other

Ages of Youth Served: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14, 15-18