Anyone 18 or older can become a Big Brother or Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM). Most Bigs spend a few hours, two to three times a month, doing everyday things they already enjoy with a young person, for at least one year.
BBBSEM mentors more than 4,000 young people this year across 150 cities and towns, from Boston, Revere and Quincy to Lowell, Lynn and the North Shore, Waltham, Brockton, New Bedford and the South Coast, and Cape Cod and the Islands. Hundreds of kids are on our waitlist right now, waiting for a Big of their own.
The quick facts
|
Quick fact |
The answer |
|
Who can be a Big |
Anyone 18 or older (our oldest active Big is over 80) |
|
Commitment |
At least one year |
|
How often you meet |
2–3 outings a month (Community-Based); about an hour a week (School-Based) |
|
Who the Littles are |
Usually ages 7–12 when they enroll, from 150 cities and towns |
|
Cost |
Minimal: free and low-cost outings, free tickets when available |
|
Car needed? |
No. Bigs without cars are matched near public transportation |
|
Travel |
Usually within 7–10 miles, or up to 30 minutes by public transit |
|
Support |
A dedicated Match Support Coordinator, Big 2 Big and BIG HELP |
|
Screening |
References plus CORI, SORI and driving record checks |
Who can become a Big Brother or Big Sister in Boston and Eastern Massachusetts?
Anyone 18 or older who is willing to build a friendship over time can become a Big. Our oldest active Big is over 80. You don’t need experience with kids; our Match Support team gives you guidance and advice every step of the way.
College students are welcome too, as long as you’ll be living locally for at least a full year. If you’re leaving the area sooner, the Mass Mentoring Partnership can point you to other opportunities. [Link: Mentoring for college students]
|
“I thought I was too busy to be a Big. It turns out a couple of afternoons a month is all it takes, and it’s become the best part of my month.” Stephen, Big Brother/Big Sister since 2024 in Boston |
How much time does it take to be a Big?
Being a Big takes a commitment of at least one year, usually 2–3 outings a month in our Community-Based program or about an hour a week in our School-Based program. Consistency is what makes a match work. Here’s how each program works:
- Community-Based: 2–3 outings a month. Schedules are flexible, and most matches meet on weekends.
- School/Site-Based: about an hour a week at a school or after-school site, usually at lunch or after school.
- Campus-Based: Littles visit a college campus, usually on Saturdays for a few hours. Transportation is provided for the youth.
- Big Futures Mentoring (formerly Mentor 2.0): text or chat weekly with a high school student, plus monthly in-person events.
- Girls’ Gender-Intentional Program: Comitment varies but learn more at link. Our gender-intentional programming create safe, nurturing, and inspiring spaces where girls can build self-esteem, cultivate resilience, and develop the skills necessary for success in their academic, personal, and professional lives.
Life happens. If you need to cancel or travel, just let your Little’s family and our team know ahead of time.
Who are the Littles?
Littles are young people, usually ages 7 to 12 when they enroll, from the 150 cities and towns BBBSEM serves across Eastern Massachusetts. Hundreds of them are waiting to be matched with a Big right now.
How are Bigs and Littles matched?
BBBSEM staff hand-select every match based on shared interests, personality and geography, after getting to know you first. You can share preferences, and we’ll consider them, though more preferences can mean a longer wait for a match. We make cross-gender matches based on preferences, and we actively welcome LGBTQ+ volunteers and Littles.
What do Bigs and Littles do together?
Bigs and Littles do everyday activities they already enjoy, like walks, parks, museums, sports, the beach and community events. Our partners offer discounts across Greater Boston and the Cape and Islands.
How much does it cost to be a Big?
Being a Big costs very little. The best outings are often free or low-cost. We regularly provide free tickets and share low- or no-cost events, and you may be able to claim a tax deduction for out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I need a car to be a Big? How far will I travel?
No, you don’t need a car to be a Big. Bigs without cars are matched with Littles who live near public transportation, including the T. Most matches live within 7–10 miles of each other, or up to 30 minutes by public transit, usually near your home, work or commute.
Do I need to speak another language?
No, you don’t need to speak another language. BBBSEM currently serves English- and Spanish-speaking families, so Spanish-speaking Bigs are especially welcome.
What support do Bigs get?
Every Big gets ongoing support from BBBSEM, including:
- A Match Support Coordinator who checks in and helps throughout your match
- Big 2 Big: experienced Bigs you can talk to by appointment
- BIG HELP: online resources for Bigs and families
What background checks does BBBSEM do?
Every BBBSEM volunteer and employee completes reference checks plus CORI (criminal), SORI (sex offender) and driving record checks. Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically rule you out. We review each case individually, and you’ll need to disclose it. Open cases are disqualifying, and a child’s parent or guardian always has the final say on a match.
Not ready to be a Big yet?
You can still help kids in Eastern Massachusetts: refer a friend (referrals are our most effective way to find new Bigs), share our posts on social media (@emassbigs), or host an information session at your workplace or community group.
How do I apply to be a Big?
Applying takes just a few minutes. Apply to be a Big at emassbigs.org/volunteer, and our team will contact you about an interview and next steps.