BECOME A BIG

We’re so glad you’re interested in becoming a Big! It’s truly a fun, life-changing volunteer experience that gives the invaluable gift of your friendship. Below are the basic steps we need each of our volunteer applicants to complete, along with some videos to learn from current Bigs.

STEP ONE - APPLY

Complete our simple online application via the button below to start the process. A member of our team will reach out to you soon after to provide an introduction of our programs and answer any questions that you may have.

STEP TWO - ORIENTATION

After filling out the online application, sign up for an in-person orientation session to learn more in-depth knowledge about becoming a Big. Orientation sessions are scheduled in both Benton and Washington Counties and provide an opportunity to meet our staff and other prospective Bigs in the area. Orientations include youth protection training, your options for becoming a Big, a broad description of the Littles in Northwest Arkansas, and plenty of time for questions. At this session, you will complete required paperwork and schedule your enrollment interview.

STEP THREE - INTERVIEW & LAST STEPS

Our Enrollment Team will complete your interview and conduct a background check to ensure our Little’s safety. Interviews are typically conducted over Zoom and last 1-2 hours. During the interview, our team will verify that all required information has been received in order to finalize your enrollment.

STEP FOUR - MEET YOUR LITTLE

Once you have been accepted into our program, our staff will search Northwest Arkansas for the perfect Little for you. Our matches are intentionally made with interests, location and need in mind. Once we have found the perfect Little, we will call you with a profile of their basic information. If you agree that the Little sounds like a good match, your Match Support Manager will introduce you to your Little. At your match introduction, you will get to know your Little, play games, and schedule future meetings!

OUR LITTLES DESERVE THE BEST

Bigs must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license, and be willing to commit to a long-term Volunteer experience (minimum one-year, however, most friendships last much longer).

They must also do the following:

  • Complete Steps 1-4 listed above

  • Be open and willing to be coached by your Match Support Manager

  • Initiate contact with your Little on a consistent basis to schedule activities

  • Meet consistently with your Little for at least 12 months

  • Maintain ongoing communication with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff

MEET OUR 2022 BIG OF THE YEAR

FREQUENTLY ASKED

  • A Big Couple is a pair of willing Volunteers who are in a long-term relationship and want to be matched together to the same Little Brother or Sister. Big Couples do not have to be married, but they must be in a long-term relationship for at least one year.

    This is a great option for couples that would prefer a shared experience as opposed to each of them having their own Little. We want our Bigs to integrate their Little into their lives and this often means your Little spending a lot of time with your family and friends.

    The benefit of a Big Couple is now both Bigs have the option of going out one-on-one with their Little OR all three can go on outings together. Our Big Couples love the flexibility this gives their Match.

  • A Big Family is exactly what it sounds like! It is a family of willing Volunteers (Parents & kids) who want to be matched together to the same Little Brother or Sister and include the whole family on the experience. The pair of Adults in a Big Family do not have to be married, but they must be in a long-term relationship for at least one year.

    This is a great option for families that would prefer a shared experience and include their own kids. We want our Bigs to integrate their Little into their lives and this often means your Little spending a lot of time with your family and friends.

    The benefit of a Big Family is now the whole family has the option of going on fun outings with their Little. Our Big Families love the inclusivity this gives their Match.

  • Big Colleagues are a pair of willing volunteers who work closely together and want to be matched together to the same Little Brother or Sister. Big Colleagues should know each other for at least one year prior to being matched with a Little.

    This is a great option for colleagues that would prefer a shared experience as opposed to each of them having their own Little. The benefit of a Big Colleague is now both Bigs have the option of going out one-on-one with their Little OR all three can go on outings together.

  • Bigs and Littles get together 2-3 times a month, and on average spend a total of 4 hours per month together.

  • Each Match is regularly supported by a Match Support Manager on our team. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, your Match Support Manager is available to you. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.

  • Anything you like! Activities are up to each Match. You don’t have to spend a lot of money; we want you to focus more on spending time with each other.

    Common activities include going to get ice cream or going to a movie, going fishing, attending a sporting event or concert, making dinner together, or running errands.

    Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other. BBBSNWA also hosts great Match activities and parties that all Bigs/Littles are invited to and are free of cost.

    Our Bigs are also occasionally given free tickets to different events that Match Support Managers are able to distribute to Matches.

  • The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Because of our corporate and individual sponsors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NWA offers free monthly group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.

  • We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each Match we make. That is often not the end, though — many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime.

  • No, Littles already have a parent or guardian in their life. What they need is a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or Big Family to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, just a friend to be their biggest cheerleader – someone like you!