Volunteer

About Becoming A Big

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 check, criminal records check, child abuse registry check and three or four references
Signs an agreement of confidentiality and release form
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 pre-match training
Is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance

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 staff member, 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 staff member 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!

Staff will follow up with all participants for the duration of their involvement in agency programs.