INTERESTED IN STARTING A CHAPTER?
CHAPTER LEADER CRITERIA
Chapter leaders must be aligned with the mission and values of The Big Brother Project and demonstrate a genuine commitment to mentoring and service.
Chapters are led by student leaders who demonstrate maturity, consistency, and a desire to serve others. Prior experience in mentorship, youth work, or leadership is encouraged but not required.
Chapter leaders must meet a list of requirements and will go through interviewing and screening prior to being approved.
Chapter leaders are expected to uphold the mission, values, and standards of The Big Brother Project by:
• Modeling integrity, maturity, and consistency
• Creating a healthy, respectful culture among volunteers
APPLYING TO START A CHAPTER
Prospective chapter leaders begin by submitting an application to express interest in starting a chapter on their campus or in their community.
DISCLAIMER: Chapters are not independent organizations and do not operate outside of the oversight of The Big Brother Project.
TRAINING & ONBOARDING
Approved leaders complete a training and onboarding process that covers:
• The mission and standards of The Big Brother Project
• Expectations for mentors and volunteers
• Safety, accountability, and professionalism
• How to build a healthy chapter culture
• And more!
New chapters also begin by building a small, committed core team of volunteers before expanding outreach.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Every individual chapters work with The Big Brother Project leadership to establish partnerships with local schools and community organizations BEFORE engaging in mentorship activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter leadership is not a résumé builder — it is a responsibility. Leaders are expected to serve consistently, communicate clearly, and represent The Big Brother Project with integrity.
The responsibilities are great, but the reward is as well. The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Volunteer Leadership:
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Recruiting and onboarding volunteers within the chapter
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Supporting and encouraging volunteers (not just assigning tasks)
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Holding volunteers accountable to expectations
• Community and Brotherhood
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Facilitating regular chapter meetings or gatherings
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Encouraging connection, growth, and mutual support among volunteers
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Preventing burnout and disengagement
• School and Community Partnerships
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Working with The Big Brother Project leadership to engage local schools
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Ensuring all mentorship activities follow approved guidelines
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Maintaining professionalism with school staff, parents, and administrators
• Communication and Accountability
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Providing regular updates to national leadership
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Communicating challenges, needs, and wins honestly
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Participating in check-ins or training as required
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Starting a Chapter is not a light task. Most people are not qualified to be in leadership, especially over the youth.
The standard for a Chapter Leader is higher than the standard for a regular volunteer. You are overseeing volunteers, fundraising & donations, local relationships, and quite literally leading a branch of a non-profit organization.
Starting a chapter is ideal for students who:
• Are willing to commit time consistently
• Care deeply about mentorship and youth development
• Want to grow as leaders while serving others
• Understand that impact takes patience, not hype
We are looking for young leaders who are passionate and want to make a difference! This organization was founded by a young leader and we desire to give other young people the opportunity to take initiative towards a good cause.
We want to help our leaders grow and develop their skills as leaders so they can eventually go on to start their own movements and continue to make a difference in their communities.
CANS & CAN NOTS
Chapters operate under the guidance and oversight of The Big Brother Project to ensure consistency, safety, and alignment with our mission.
What chapters ARE authorized to do:
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Recruit and organize volunteers locally
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Hold chapter meetings and development sessions
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Participate in approved mentorship and service activities
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Represent The Big Brother Project on campus and in the community
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Partner with local schools with approval and coordination
What chapters are NOT authorized to do:
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Operate as independent nonprofits
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Create or alter programs without approval
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Engage schools or youth independently without coordination
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Fundraise under the organization’s name without permission
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Speak on behalf of the organization on political or controversial issues
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Set their own policies regarding youth safety or conduct
READY TO GET STARTED?
iIf you’re interested in starting a chapter of The Big Brother Project on your campus, we’d love to learn more about you.
Click the button to fill out the initial application form and we will reach out to learn more about you!