Training to become a Big Brother or Big Sister is done on an individual basis and in a group setting during several steps of the application process.

1. Interview – this is where questions are answered and general information is provided, including how the match meetings are conducted, what happens after the interview is complete, etc.
2. Introduction of Match Support Specialist (MSS) and discussion of potential Littles– this is when the Match Support Specialist assigned to work with you introduces themselves through a phone call and discusses any additional questions they may have in the qualities of the child you are interested in mentoring. This is also the time when they explain the next steps in the process and describe potential Littles to you if they have found a potential match. It also provides an additional opportunity to ask questions.
3. Match Meeting– The MSS will discuss safety, conduct, rules of being a mentor in the program, provide handouts, discuss activities, and conduct the introduction between you and your Little or you, your Little, and the Little’s guardian (community-based).

Group training courses are offered twice a month.  Volunteers who are in the processing phase of the application process, or have been approved to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, are asked to schedule a training that works with their schedule prior to being matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister.  This ensures that each mentor is prepared to begin a friendship with his/her Little from the beginning of the relationship.  Contact Eric at eschneider@bbbsca.org to learn more about the training schedule.