VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORMAPPLICATION & SCREENING PROCESS 1) Please complete the volunteer application form; 2) Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance – Information on how to apply will be emailed to you; 3) Training Part 1– Watch a 1-hour individual training video called: Strong from the Start. This will cover the program structure and important topics around healthy relationships and boundaries within your mentoring relationship(s); 4) Training Part 2– Attend a 2-hour virtual group-based training on the Developmental Relationship. This will explain the importance of intentional mentoring and the five elements needed to form a developmental relationship with your mentee(s); 5) Complete the required consent forms; 6)Provide the agency with a copy of your driver’s licence and insurance information (for Community-Based programs only); 7)Attend a Personal Interview (completed virtually).
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Note: Volunteer mentors are required to be 18-years-of-age or older with the exception of the Homework Club Program which includes youth mentors
How it Works
How The Volunteering Process Works
The order of the steps in the application and assessment process can vary from agency to agency, but the following is a general overview of the process. You, the volunteer applicant:
- Completes an application with their local agency
- Submits a vulnerable sector screen, criminal records check, and three or four references
- Participates in a one-to-one interview with a staff member at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency
- Depending on the program, may be asked to participate in an assessment of their home environment
- Successfully completes an orientation and child safety training
- Is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance
- If accepted as a volunteer mentor, signs an agreement of confidentiality
The Matching Process
Similar to the application and assessment process, the matching process can vary from agency to agency and from program to program, but in general:
- The caseworker, now familiar with the volunteer and the children and youth waiting to be matched, discusses a potential match with the volunteer, the child or youth, and, depending on the program, with the family
- The caseworker arranges for a meeting between the child or youth, the volunteer mentor, and often the parent or guardian
If everyone agrees, the match can begin!