Join the movement. Being a Big Sister is about developing a rewarding friendship with a girl based on having fun, learning, and growing together. Big Sisters are cheerleaders, champions, and confidantes who help girls develop the confidence they need to achieve their goals.
We are currently making Big and Little Sister matches virtually. All interviews and trainings will take place online. Your initial match meeting will be held either virtually or at your school site, after which you will be able to meet in person for your visits.
Apply to Become a Big Sister
Find out which volunteer opportunity is the best fit for you by filling out our online application today.
Our Process
Who Can Be A Big Sister?
All of our volunteers must be able to make the commitment to spend regular, consistent time with their Little Sister for at least one year. Big Sisters in our Community-Based Mentoring program must be at least 20 years-old, and volunteers in our Site-Based Mentoring program must be at least 18 years-old.
At a glance
- Minimum 1 year commitment
- Once every other week
- 3 hours per hangout
- Any race, religion, culture
Ways to Volunteer
Which Program Is Right for You?
Our Recruitment Specialists will help you decide the best program to fit your lifestyle.
Community-Based Mentoring
You will be matched in a one-to-one relationship with a Little Sister between the age of 7-15. Community-Based Mentoring Sisters typically meet on weekends and enjoy low- to no-cost activities that can range from baking to basketball, drawing to dancing, or science to sandcastle building. Big Sisters in this program must be at least 20 years old and commit to a minimum of 12 months with their Little Sister, meeting every other week for around 3 hours per hang out.
Site-Based Mentoring
You will be matched in a one-to-one relationship with a Little Sister in elementary school in Boston or Cambridge. Site-Based Mentoring Sisters meet at the Little Sister’s school during her lunch period or at her after school program site. Together, they enjoy activities like crafts, reading, playing on the playground, or conducting fun science experiments. Big Sisters in this program must be at least 18 years old and commit to meeting with their Little Sister weekly for three academic semesters, excluding summer break and school holidays.
Why volunteer with Big Sister Boston?
As one of our Big Sisters, you will be:
You will receive comprehensive training developed by our expert staff that will give you the tools to be an effective mentor to a girl.
You will never be alone in your match relationship! Our professional team of Match Support Specialists are trained to specifically address issues relating to girls’ healthy development and are prepared to address all your questions and concerns.
You and your Little Sister will have the opportunity to participate in a range of Big Sister Boston-sponsored activities that strengthen your bond, build her skills and confidence, and explore all facets of your Little Sister’s identity–from STEM-related workshops, to fitness and crafting, to celebrations with other Big and Little Sisters.
You will have access to our robust network of corporate and community partners. Whether you are new to the city or you want to grow personally or professionally, Big Sister Boston offers ample opportunities for leadership and networking.
Sister Spotlights
Mentor FAQs
The possibilities are endless! During their time together, a match might visit a park, enjoy the beach, take walks, volunteer, explore different hobbies, learn a new skill, and so much more. Big Sister Association provides matches with free and low-cost activities (tickets to sporting events, movies, theater, museums) on a regular basis. Big Sister also hosts annual events such as the spring Appreciation Breakfast, Summer Picnic, Halloween Party, Teen Matches Give Back service projects, and Building Big Dreams career awareness events. No matter the activity, the most important thing is spending quality time together on a consistent basis.
All of our volunteers must be able to make the commitment to spend regular, consistent time with their Little Sister for at least one year. Big Sisters in our Community-Based Mentoring program must be at least 20 years-old, and volunteers in our Site-Based Mentoring program must be at least 18 years-old.
First, don’t be afraid to acknowledge differences, either between you and your Little Sister or in the world around you. Take some time to think about your own feelings about differences, prejudices and stereotypes. It is important to pay attention to your own feelings, experiences and judgments because we all have them. Conversations with your Little Sister are an opportunity for learning and we encourage you to be open and sensitive about differences and values in all of your discussions. Please talk to your Match Support Specialist about any questions you might have regarding these discussions.
Ready to invest in a girl's future?
Our mentoring model has a significant, positive impact on girls’ lives across a broad spectrum of developmental outcomes.
