Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country is always looking for new Bigs! We are currently enrolling both Community and Site Based Bigs.
Our community-based programs in Bozeman & Livingston are enrolling volunteers. Did you know you can volunteer as an individual, a couple, or as a family?
Our Bigs can truly influence the life of a child, and you will both be forever changed by the experience.
If you can be yourself, you can be a Big.
Are you at least 18 years old?
Do you have a couple of extra hours a week, a valid driver's license, and an insured vehicle?
Can you make a minimum 12-month commitment?
Do you enjoy kids and having fun?
Through our community program in Bozeman and Livingston, we serve children ages 5-18. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult. We ask our volunteers for a minimum 12-month commitment, and to spend 4-6 hours per month with their Little. Activities that many of our matches enjoy are going to Jump Time, Pinspiration, getting ice cream together, going to parks together, community events, and attending match activities together.
Application
Complete our online Volunteer Application.
Interview
Once we receive your completed application, you will receive an email with an orientation video. This video explains more about the enrollment process and more about the program. One of our program managers will then reach out to schedule an interview with you. These interviews can be conducted in person or virtually-whichever you prefer! The interview usually takes about an hour and is an opportunity for us to get know you, your personality, interests, likes, dislikes, and expectations.
After the interview, our staff will write an assessment to review information learned in the interview to determine if this is the right volunteer opportunity for you.
References Checks
We will contact the references you provide on your application after the interview is complete. We will speak to a minimum of 3 references to learn more about you.
Background Checks
We take safety very seriously so a part of our enrollment process is a multi-layered and comprehensive background check, social media sites and both the state and national sex offender websites. We ask volunteers to help cover the cost of the background checks, if they are able. The $30.00 fee can be paid in cash, check, or on our website donation page (in the memo line type "for volunteer background check).
Matching Process
Once you have completed the enrollment process your file will be reviewed and we will notify you of acceptance/non-acceptance into our program. If you have been accepted, we will contact you once we've identified a potential Little. You are under no obligation to be matched with the child the agency proposes to you. If you accept, we will contact the Little and the parent/guardian to tell them about you. When all parties agree, we will schedule a match meeting between you, the parent, the child, and a BBBS staff member. At that meeting, boundaries, expectations, rules, and goals will be discussed. You will then officially be matched, and you can start meeting with your Little Brother or Sister to enjoy activities together!
We currently have site-based or school-based programs in Big Sky and Livingston. In these programs we match High School aged volunteers with elementary aged students. These matches either meet during the school day or in an after school program setting. BBBS staff is supervising these meet ups at all times. During their time together matches will get to know one another, eat lunch, complete activities, and develop a strong mentoring relationship.
Application
Complete our online Volunteer Application.
Interview
Once we receive your completed application, our enrollment staff will work with school staff to set up a time for interviews. The interviews are a great opportunity for us to learn more about you and your personality, likes, dislikes, and preferences, and decide which child would best suit you.
References Checks
We will contact the references you provide on your application after the interview is complete.
Background Checks
Background checks are only required for those applicants that are 18 or older. If you turn 18 while matched in our program, we will complete a background check at that time. We will however look at social media sites to ensure there are no child safety issues or concerns.
Matching Process
Once you have completed the enrollment process your file will be reviewed and we will notify you of acceptance/non-acceptance into our program. If you have been accepted, we will contact you and tell you about the Little we have in mind for you. If you feel like it would be a good fit, we will coordinate a match meeting where you will meet for the first time!
For more information about Big Sky programs.
For more information about Livingston programs.
