Do you remember a person from your childhood who you looked up to? An adult who spent time with you, listened to your dreams and encouraged you? Maybe they taught you how to play ball or ride a bike. Likely, it was someone other than your parents, someone you respected, but who did not have an authoritarian, parental role.

Through their friendship with a Big Brother or Big Sister, Littles often discover a whole new world of experiences, opportunity, and potential. Being a Little can transform the life of a young person, and have lifelong results. In fact, research has shown that the shared experiences between Bigs and Littles have a direct and lasting impact on young people’s lives.

Bigs and Littles do simple things together-playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over schoolwork, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities, or just hanging out together. It’s the friendship that develops while doing these everyday activities that makes the difference.

Big Brothers Big Sisters works closely with parents and guardians to match every youth with the right Big. Every volunteer is screened, trained, and supervised, and professionals in youth development support each match to help ensure that the relationship will be safe and rewarding for everyone involved.