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Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds, just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills – you just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit!

If you are a site-based Big, you will see your Little once per week at the youth’s school or after-school program. As a community-based Big, you and your Little will decide on activities together with parental approval. We recommend maintaining a consistent schedule of outings and get togethers. Initially, the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you. In the beginning, one of our Match Support Specialists will get in touch frequently to make sure everything is going well, answer any questions you have, and suggest activities.

The quality of time spent with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending more than $50 per month on your outings. We have many low-cost or free activities available for matches, and will keep you up-to-date on any new offerings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world from a different perspective and broaden his or her horizons.

If you are a site-based Big, you might help with homework, do a craft or play a game – inside or outside. If you are a community-based Big, you might go to the library, check out a book, and read together. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you both enjoy. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most importantly: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves.

In the beginning, it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Once a match has been meeting for three months, they are allowed to include a guest on an outing up to once a month. Just like all match outings, it’s important to get parent/guardian approval for guests and talk about the plan together. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little and the impact you have on their life. If you are interested in sharing the Big experience with your spouse, close friend, or adult child, ask our Enrollment Team about a Partner’s Match.

Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, your Match Support Specialist can provide help with ideas for activities, guidance, and feedback on how you are making a difference. Many of our staff are also Bigs, so they have great first-hand experience and knowledge to share.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Big Brothers Big Sisters Northern Nevada at 775-352-3202. We’re here to help!