Be a Defender of Potential
Become a Big
We're bigger together
Interested, but Want to know more?
Schedule some time with our Volunteer Recruitment Manager to discuss what it means to become a Big. They can answer any questions you have and guide you through the various ways you can make a meaningful impact on a young person in Middle Tennessee
Ready to apply?
Complete the inquiry form to start the process of becoming a Big. Once you complete the form, a staff member will reach out to review the requirements and help you determine which program might be the best fit before you attend an orientation.
You can be the difference
Young people today face an opportunity desert, where access to resources, networks, and meaningful support remains limited. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we believe every young person deserves a community that accepts them as they are and empowers them to reach their fullest potential. Through one-to-one mentoring, we help close the gap between people and possibilities, providing the support and guidance our Littles need to dream big and achieve their goals.
The foundation of impactful mentorship is connection. That’s why we carefully pair Bigs with Littles based on shared experiences, interests, and aspirations, fostering relationships that are authentic, meaningful, and mutually beneficial. Right now, countless young people in our community are looking for a positive role model, someone to help ignite their potential. By becoming a Big, you have the chance to transform a young person’s future—and they’ll transform yours, too.
98%
of Bigs feel "confident in their ability to handle the challenges of being a mentor"
10
average hours of training and professional coaching for volunteers in their first year as a mentor
90%
of our Littles say their Big is the stable and supportive adult in their life
Steps to becoming a Big
Step One
Fill out an inquiry form
Let us know you are interested in learning more by scheduling a phone call with our staff, filling out our inquiry form or attending one of our open info sessions.
Step Two
Complete an application
Once you select a program, we’ll send you an application where you’ll provide all the additional information needed. Each application includes references, a background check and signed permission forms to participate in one of our program.
Step Three
Volunteer orientation
Take a deeper dive into your selected program and learn more about the matching process, program expectations, and scenarios you may encounter as a mentor.
Step Four
Interview
We’ll get to know more about you to determine if our program is a good fit and to help us make the best match possible between you and a mentee if you become a Big.
Step Five
Volunteer Onboarding
While waiting for the right match, you’ll complete a series of online training to better prepare for being a mentor.
Step Six
Matching
A lot of thought and intention goes into our matching process, so wait times can vary. We match mentors based on the best fit for you, the child, and their family.
THE BIG CIRCLE REFERRAL PROGRAM
Already a Big? We need your help finding more mentors like you. For every volunteer you refer who completes the orientation, you’ll get recognized and rewarded. The more volunteers you refer, the bigger the perks.
Already have someone in mind? Fill out the referral form.
