To qualify to be a Big, you don’t have to be an expert with kids or be a parent. No experience is necessary to befriend an at-risk child in your community. Littles benefit enormously simply from getting to know and having fun with a caring adult.

In Kansas, more than 3,000 children are waiting for a mentor to positively impact their lives. More than 70 percent of children on the waiting list are boys, but only three out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. There is always a special need for male volunteers. Baby Boomers, minorities and retirees also make great volunteers! Your valuable life experience and stability may be just what a Little on our waiting list needs.

Everyone has something to offer a Little. Being yourself will make all the difference in the life of a child. To become a Big, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency.

2. Fill out an application online.

3. For the safety of our children, all volunteers must undergo a background check.

4. Provide references who can recommend you as a mentor.

5. Complete an interview with a match specialist.

6. Meet your Little!