Ready to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life? Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area is looking for adults who are committed, compassionate, and ready to mentor a child in their community.
Please note: acceptance into the program does not guarantee an immediate match. Wait times may vary based on Little availability in your area. Female volunteers may experience longer wait times due to a limited number of female Littles. Littles are accepted on a rolling basis, which means our available pool is always evolving.
Who Can Volunteer
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and currently employed, enrolled in school, or retired. To be eligible, you must live or work in our service area, which includes Washington, D.C., Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick Counties in Maryland, and Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington Counties in Northern Virginia.
How Matching Works
Once your application is approved, you’ll be matched with a Little based on where you live, your schedule, and your interests. Our goal is to make thoughtful, lasting matches, so placement timelines can vary depending on availability and compatibility.
How to Get Started
Start by completing an interest form on our website. After submitting, you’ll receive an email with an invitation to attend a volunteer orientation. From there, you’ll begin the enrollment process, which includes an orientation session, a one-on-one interview, background checks, fingerprinting, and personal and professional reference checks. Pre-match training is also required before becoming eligible for a match.
Volunteer Commitment
Mentoring relationships thrive on consistency and care. Bigs are asked to commit to at least one year and meet with their Little two to four times per month for a total of 4–8 hours. Volunteers must provide transportation to and from outings, whether by car, public transit, or rideshare. We encourage all volunteers to consider their long-term availability before applying, as the greatest impact comes with time and trust.
VOLUNTEER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
VOLUNTEER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
1. Submit an interest form on our website
2. Receive an email invitation to attend orientation
3. Complete the intake process, which includes:
- Orientation session
- In-depth interview (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Background checks and fingerprinting
- Personal, employer, and volunteer references
- Pre-match training
Matching Process:
If approved, you will be matched based on your location, availability, and compatibility with a Little.
Please note: acceptance into the program does not guarantee an immediate match.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Commitment
We ask all volunteers to commit to at least one full year of mentoring, though many Bigs choose to stay involved much longer. Consistency and longevity are what make these relationships truly life-changing.
Meeting Frequency
Matches meet two to four times per month, spending a total of 4–8 hours together. Outings can include anything from exploring local events and volunteering to sharing a meal or enjoying a hobby together.
Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for providing transportation to and from outings. If you do not own a car, you must be comfortable using public transit or rideshare options when necessary to maintain consistency in your match.
Consistency & Stability
Before applying, we ask volunteers to thoughtfully consider their long-term availability and stability. Strong, dependable relationships are built over time, and that sustained commitment is what helps Littles reach their full potential.
