Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lansing offers several different mentoring programs.  If you would like to volunteer and touch a child's life, click here.

Community-Based Mentoring – This is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters program which encourages a positive one-to-one mentoring relationship between an adult volunteer and a child.  The matched Big and Little will spend time together doing unstructured activities 2-4 times per month for an initial commitment of one year.  In this program, the activities that the Big and Little share may include biking, walking, playing games, helping with homework, going to the library or museum, preparing a meal together, or dining out.  We stress little-cost activities; the activities are not as important as the little moments spent together in a supportive, caring relationship that bring big magic and joy into the life of a young person, and help the child discover a world of possibilities and opportunities.   

School-Based Mentoring – This mutually rewarding program involves a one-to-one match with an adult volunteer to an elementary student.  The volunteer may be associated with a business or organization, a high school, or may be an individual looking for an enriching school-based mentoring experience.  Volunteers provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention in their schools, typically once a week during the academic year.  These meetings typically take place during the lunch hour or after school, and the Big and Little do activities that may involve eating lunch, playing games, talking, shooting baskets, crafts, or helping with schoolwork.  

Big for a Day – In this program, a volunteer will spend time with one child or a few children who have not yet permanently been matched, just for one day.  The volunteer may take a child to have fun enjoying an activity of their choosing or the agency may call on a volunteer to take a child to an agency sponsored activity.  Rather than making a commitment to spending time with one child for one year, this volunteer may be available at their convenience.  So, if you have an extra ticket to the game or want to check out that new museum but don't want to go alone, you can be sure that there is a child who would love to accompany you.

Club Connect – This program provides a fun group activity each month for children who are not yet matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.   Volunteers have fun spending time with these children in a group mentoring setting arranged and supervised by the agency.  This aspect of volunteering may also involve transporting some of the children to and from the activity.  

Teen Vibe – This is a group mentoring program just for teen age girls. This group meets twice a month and participates in exciting activities that include visiting a college campus, career exploration, community service, going to a theatrical performance, and talking about various topics such as peer influence, healthy choices, and other important issues.  The reciprocal relationship that develops between the teens and volunteer mentors is fostered through activities that involve team building, appreciation of diversity, and relationship development.

Moyo Baraza – This is a group mentoring program for teen age boys. This group meets weekly for an eight week session and participates in exciting activities that include visiting a college campus, career exploration, community service, going to a theatrical performance, and talking about various topics such as peer influence, healthy choices, and other important issues.  The reciprocal relationship that develops between the teens and volunteer mentors is fostered through activities that involve team building, appreciation of diversity, and relationship development.