Volunteer

Why Be a Mentor?

For just a few hours a couple of times a month, you can help a child succeed. Big Brothers Big Sisters is different from other mentoring organizations in that we seek volunteers who are committed and consistent, willing to serve at least a year, but we hope until a child graduates high school. Studies show that by doing so, our mentoring services help kids stay in school, avoid risky behaviour, and experience first-hand the importance of helping others in their community. You can mentor in our Community, In-School, Game on, Go Girls or Play on Programs.

Professional staff is there to work with you, the child and the family throughout the course of the mentoring relationship to provide necessary training and support. allows us to carefully make and support more matches. Sometimes, the supply of volunteers and kids is greater than the necessary agency funding. We are grateful for your willingness to be involved and while it is certainly not a requirement, we welcome you to also become a donor –  as you volunteer or wait to be matched.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Event Volunteers

Each year Big Brothers Big Sisters of CVI hosts a variety of Big and Little events and fundraising events, and we rely heavily on our volunteers to make these events a huge success.

Third Party Events

There is no limit to creativity when brainstorming ideas for successful third party events. Engage your creative resources and encourage your team to think BIG! We rely on the generous support and dedication of the many individuals and corporations who support our fundraising efforts through third party events. Your fundraising efforts will help us ensure that every child we serve has the ability to fulfill their potential. Consider helping us to make a significant impact in the life of  child today

Volunteer Opportunities in our agency

You can also volunteer other of roles in our agency such as:

• Being a Clothing Volunteer/Working in the Big Deals Boutique
• Joining the Board or a Committee
• Helping in Administration or Reception
• Helping in our Bulk Clothing Department

Mentoring Agreement

Here is what you must agree to If you are applying to become a mentor in our programs, when applying online below (blue button). You must also agree to our policies around Confidentiality and Code of Conduct:

• I am at least 18 years old (15+ for In-School or Group Mentoring).
• I have lived in Canada for at least 6 months.
• I understand that for the Community Program I must be able to commit to a minimum of 1 year at the time of matching.
• I understand a criminal record check is mandatory.
• I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island is under no obligation to approve my application.
• I understand that if I am not accepted as a Mentor, I will not be provided with a reason why.
• I understand that the time between application and program involvement could be between 3-12 months.
• I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island will contact references and may contact other community agencies, doctors, and service providers I have been involved with, after receiving my written consent.
• I will inform my references they’ll be contacted via email to complete a questionnaire and I understand if this is not completed it will cause delays in the recruitment process.
• I understand that I must attend an Information/Orientation Session, Pre-Match Training Session, and a one on one interview before a decision on my acceptance can be made.
• I understand that if I am accepted as a Mentor, I may be expected to participate in agency activities and events while waiting for a match to begin, as deemed appropriate by Agency Staff.
•  I understand that I am forbidden from using legal and illicit substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, when I am acting in a mentoring capacity.
• I understand that I must conduct myself in a manner consistent with being a positive role model to a child, and as a representative of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island.
• I understand that my role as a Mentor is separate and distinct from a peer and/or parental figure.
• I understand that I must work towards building a meaningful relationship built on trust and respecting boundaries.
• I understand that I must respect the confidentiality of the child(ren) enrolled in the program at all times.
•  I understand that in order to respect the privacy and dignity of all children and families enrolled in programming, I will not divulge confidential information without consent, except where required by law, such as in the case of suspected child abuse.
• I understand that I must adhere to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island policies and guidelines, especially regarding child safety. I will not engage in any behavior that may be perceived as being abusive towards a child, or a child’s family.
• I understand that while I may have one key contact at the agency, there is a team of Agency Staff, as well as practicum students who may be in contact with me throughout my participation in the program(s).
• I understand that I will be required to maintain communication with the Agency Staff, and/or students; including regularly scheduled telephone, email, and in person meetings.
• I understand that I will be responsible for contacting Agency Staff, and/or students to discuss problems, issues, concerns, or changes of circumstances (ex. living situation, change of address, phone number, etc.)
• I understand that my inability to maintain this contact with Agency Staff, and/or students could result in the termination of my application and/or the closure of my match
• I understand that in the event of a match closure, I must be sensitive to the impact that this can have on the child(ren), and take the necessary steps to minimize the distress it may cause

Online Mentor Application

You can apply to be a mentor in any of our programs by clicking the button below and filling out the form. Please note that three references are required.