Become a Big – Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest

As a youth-serving organization, our goal is to enroll volunteers who meet the needs of the children on our waitlist. Based on our current waitlist, our highest need is for volunteers who identify as men and/or People of Color. We have 5 times more boys waiting for a mentor than girls. But for every 12 women who inquire about mentoring, only 1 man will submit an inquiry.

While mentors do not have to look like their mentees, we also know the power of having a role model “who looks like me,” and this is a preference that we frequently receive from parents and youth of color. Please join us in our effort to reach more men and those who are in the BIPOC community.

Become a BIG Today!

Thank you for your interest in our mentoring programs.

It’s Time: Become a Big Today

Ready to get started?

Become a Mentor

Two great ways to be a big

Volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters is fun and has a positive impact on a child’s life. Simply getting together to talk, laugh, and hang out on a consistent basis creates trust and builds a child’s self-esteem.

Please read through the following eligibility and commitment requirements to determine if you and our program are a good fit.

Volunteer Eligibility:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Reside within our service area (Portland metro area, including Vancouver, WA, and Hillsboro) for a minimum of six months.
Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Be willing and able to make at least a one-year commitment to the program.
Be willing and able to meet with your Little Sibling two to four times per month.
If you intend to drive your Little, you must possess at least the minimum limits of auto liability insurance (Car not required in any program).
Have a safe driving record (no DUIs within the past five years; no more than two moving violations in the past year).
Never been convicted of a felony.
Must demonstrate an appropriate history of alcohol and drug use.