Little Brothers and Little Sisters come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are really little (as young as 6) and some are teenagers. Some may live on your block and some a few miles away. What do they all have in common? Potential.
In just 4 hours a month, you can clear the path to a child's biggest possible future. Dozens of children in Fargo-Moorhead are waiting for a Big just like you!
Bring out the potential in a child
Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program you volunteer for, you will meet your Little at his or her school or in the community.
Community-Based
In the BBBS Community-Based Program, you spend time with your Little two to three times a month – on your own schedule. You can go to the park, attend sporting events, play board games, or participate in other activities you both enjoy.
School-Based
In the School-Based Program, you visit your Little each week at their school. You can go back to elementary school and experience the hot lunches and little desks all over again!
Volunteer eligibility
To be a Big Brother or Big Sister, an applicant must meet the following criteria.
- Age: Volunteer must be 18 years or older.
- Location: Volunteer must live in the Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead or Dilworth area.
- Stability: Volunteer must demonstrate stability in life.
- Example: Applicant has lived in the area for more than 1 year.
- Commitment: BBBS programs require a one-year commitment.
- Consistency: Volunteer must be able to develop a consistent relationship with their Little.
- Transportation:
- Community-based: Volunteer must have a vehicle or reliable use of one, as well as a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance. Volunteers must have the auto insurance limits required by their state of residence for bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Driving record must have no drug-use or alcohol-related violations in the past 5 years.
- School-based: Volunteer must have access to reliable transportation to commute to the school site.
- Sobriety: If the applicant has a history of substance use disorder, such as alcoholism or drug use, including recreational marijuana, the applicant must have two years of consecutive sobriety/non-usage. The applicant cannot have a DUI/DWI charge within the past 5 years.
- The Process: Volunteer must successfully complete the application process, mentor training, three references, layered background check, child abuse/neglect check, driver's license check, and interview(s).
- Suitability: Applicant must meet suitability criteria determined through the screening and interview process.
- Participation: Volunteer must be willing to participate in match support contacts and surveys with BBBS staff.
Do you meet all the requirements?
We stand with you
Have a question? Don’t worry. Our trained staff will be happy to guide you through the application process. And when it’s time to make a match, we'll help you meet a Little who shares your interests – and we’ll support you all the way. We’ll even give you some great ideas for activities that other Bigs and Littles have enjoyed through the years!
Defend their potential
You’ve been thinking about getting involved. Now you know how easy it is and how much your help is needed. If you are interested in being a Big, please call 701-451-4877 or email us for more information. Or, get started right now!
Fill out this inquiry form
BBBS Testimonials
Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters often get as much out of the mentoring experience as the kids they mentor. Here are some testimonials from actual volunteers.
I volunteered for this Big Brother program for a number of reasons. However, the most important reason was to mentor someone that quite possibly needed a strong male figure in his life. It makes it worth it when you take time out of a busy workday and your "little brother" comes running towards you with an ear-to-ear smile. Making someone else’s day is always more fulfilling than making your own. That is what this program is about to me. – Scott
For the last five years, my little has given me the opportunity to realize the impact that giving time can have on someone's life. Our relationship has grown over the years and she counts on me just as much as I count on her. She's taught me so much about the world and the reality of the day-to-day obstacles that many of our community's youth have to face. She's also taught me about courage and about imagining a life that is anything you could ever dream up. The outings that we take aren't expensive, and they don't involve fancy adventures – rather they provide an opportunity to connect, talk, and simply spend quality time together. I do this because I believe in the possibility that the youth of our community represent and I want to be part of ensuring they have the support and networks needed to make a difference. – Angela
I was fortunate to be matched with my little brother. He is a great young man. I go pick him up we go hang out talk about issues and agree and disagree about differences. My goal has always been to make my little brother feel important and listen to what he says. I have always supported him in whatever he does, music and theater year round. – Kim
I have been part of the BBBS program for the past two years and being a "Big" has been such a rewarding experience for me. It's a great feeling to know in some small way you are making a difference in a child's life. – Alyssa
I continue being a Big Brother because I see what a direct impact I have on my Little Brother and it truly brings joy to both of our hearts and lives. Spending time with him gives back in ways that words cannot explain and money cannot buy. It’s been literally LIFE CHANGING! – Josh
I was fortunate enough to grow up with many role models in my life that got me to where I am now; and I want to make sure my Little Sister gets the same opportunity! – Andrea
I want to help boys have the same great childhood that I had! – Mark
The decision to become a Big took me a few years. I am a grandmother at heart with no grandchildren. In thinking about what I wanted to do to fill my desire to spend time with children I thought about many things. The opportunity to stay with a child through their formative years appealed to me rather than volunteering in schools or hospitals, etc. where you only spend a short time with a child. Being a Big has given me the opportunity to interact with a child that has added so much enjoyment to my life. I feel blessed to have found her and to have her in my life. – Sharon
I have been a part of BBBS for around five years. Before becoming a Big, I had been a part of different fundraising efforts for the program, most notably Bowl for Kids’ Sake. I got a chance to see some Bigs and their Littles at the event and could see firsthand the effect these volunteers had on the kids. I decided I wanted to try being a Big and make a difference in someone’s life. It has been a great experience and I encourage others to get involved, too! – Karl