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become a big. ignite potential.

If you are ready to apply, enter your zip code at right to start the application. Enter a few details about yourself then select “Complete Application Now” to finish the process.

Not ready to jump in? If you still have questions, we would love to have you sign up for our 30-minute webinar.

At this time, interviews are conducted via videoconference only. 

After you complete your application, come here to visit our scheduling site to book your interview. Just click on your city:  Bartlesville, Norman, Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Stillwater. or Tulsa. 

*Please complete your application before you schedule your interview.
**Big Couples will interview individually.

After your interview, we conduct background checks and complete your file for approval to be matched with a Little! 

Our matching process is not a “next in line” process. Matches are made based on location, similar interests and other preferences so that your relationship has a foundation to build on.

Once matched, a match introduction is scheduled with your Program Specialist where you meet your Little and start helping them on the path to their fullest potential.

Once you are matched, you will meet with your Little consistently. Based on the program you chose, this could be weekly at the child’s school or after-school site or a couple times a month in the community. You will be required stay in contact with your Program Specialist on a regular basis. This is to make sure everything is going great for you and your new Little.

apply to be a big

OR ATTEND A WEBINAR TO LEARN MORE

community

Bigs and Littles are matched to enjoy activities within the community like going to the park or attending a football game. In this program, the Big usually picks up his or her Little at the Little’s home.

Requirements:
Commit to one year
2-4 hours a few times a month
Be at least 18 years old at the time of match
Have a valid driver's license
Have up-to-date car insurance
Complete a background check

school

Bigs and Littles meet only at the child’s school. The match uses school facilities like the playground, library, gym and cafeteria for their match activities each week, for about an hour, during the school year.

Requirements:
Commit to one year
Meet, on average, once a week during the length of a school year
Be at least 18 years old at the time of match
Complete a background check

big couple

A Big Couple mentors one child together in a community-based match. If you are in a committed relationship, you can be a Big Couple. This is a great option for couples who want to volunteer together.

Requirements:
Commit to one year
2-4 hours a few times a month
Be at least 18 years old at the time of match
Have a valid driver's license
Have up-to-date car insurance
Both parties complete a background check

QUESTIONS + aNSWERS

Once you are matched with your Little, a Program Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Program Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.

 

We offer just-in-time training through guided, monthly conversations with your Program Specialist. Bigs can also attend agency-sponsored trainings that cover topics ranging from trauma-informed care to how to talk to a teenager. 

In the Community Based Program, you’ll meet with your Little two to four times a month for a few hours at a time. Together, you decide what activities you want to do.

In the School Based Program, matches meet for about an hour each week during the school year.

In the Community Based Program, you have the freedom to decide what activities you and your Little will do together based on common interests. Big Brothers Big Sisters often provides tickets and activities from our community partners such as sporting or community events. 

In the School Based Program, matches meet at the school and usually have access to the library, gym, playground, board games, but often, they enjoy spending time together during lunch.

A Big Couple mentors one child together as a team in a community based match with a Little Brother. We ask that all Bigs make a one-year commitment to their Little (but most stay matched much longer than that) so if you and your partner are in a committed relationship, you can be a Big Couple. This is a great option for all couples including young professionals, empty-nesters and everything in between. 

In the beginning it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little and the impact you have on their life.

The quality of time invested with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help him see the world through a different lens so you can inspire him to become something he never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Shoot hoops at a local park, play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. As a Big, you may also receive notices from Big Brothers Big Sisters for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.

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