Big Brothers Big Sisters’ core value is to maintain the highest standards of practice in order to deliver safe, quality mentoring programs to children and youth. As a volunteer mentor, you share with your mentee, their parents/guardians, the Big Brother Big Sister Agency, and (in certain programs) partnering site-based staff, a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship.

General Description:

Volunteer Mentors will: 

•  Successfully complete each phase of the Agency's enrollment process;
• Participate in Pre-Match Training administered by the Agency;
• Maintain regular dialogue with program staff throughout the match;
• Be a friend to their mentee, and maintain contact on a regular and consistent basis;
• Be a positive role model, emphasizing behavior such as trust, respect, reliability, honesty, fairness, commitment, resilience, and kindness;
• Place primary importance upon the protection and well-being of children and youth;
• Be supervised and supported by, and remain accountable to, program staff.

• Have the ability to relate to young people and adults, and adapt to change;
• Be reliable, honest, trustworthy, and fun to hang out with;
• Be collaborative, patient, and positive;
• Function within the guidelines of the Agency;
• Support the mission of the Agency.

• Maintain regular and open communication with your mentee, his/her parents/guardians, and the Agency;
  
• Be clear in communication with your mentee's parent/guardian, particularly around contacts, timing, planned activities, and issues of concern;
• Take initiative in planning and committing to time with your mentee, yet include them in decision making;
  
• Always let your mentee when they can expect to see you next;
• Allow the relationship to develop at its own pace;
• Notify the Agency of any concerns about Match;
• Set and respect boundaries with your mentee, parents/guardians, and Agency staff;
• Respect the privacy of the mentee and their family;
• Follow Agency and child protection protocols (training & continued support provided).