Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara's (the Agency) core value is to maintain the highest standards of practice to deliver safe, quality mentoring programs to children and youth. As a volunteer mentor, you share with your mentee, their parent(s)/guardian(s), the Agency, and (in certain programs) the school liaison, 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 Volunteer Training administered by the Agency 

- Maintain regular dialogue with Agency Caseworker(s) and/or the school liaison throughout the match 

- Be a friend to your mentee, and maintain contact on a regular and consistent basis, according to the program guidelines 

- Be a positive role model, emphasizing behavior such as trust, respect, reliability, honesty, fairness, commitment, resilience, kindness, appropriate manners and a non-judgmental attitude 

-Place primary importance upon the protection and well-being of children and youth 

- Work with your mentee’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or school liaison and program staff to create a positive relationship with your mentee 

- Be supervised and supported by, and remain accountable to, Agency staff

Qualifications and Requirements –  Volunteer Mentors will: 

- Have the ability to relate to young people and adults, and to adapt to change 

-Be reliable, honest, trustworthy, dependable, punctual and of good character 

- Be collaborative, patient, positive, fun and function within the guidelines of the Agency 

-Be personally suitable and mature, exhibiting mental and emotional competence 

-Have the ability and willingness to support the mission of the Agency

 Roles and Responsibilities – Volunteer Mentors will: 

-Utilize clear communication with your mentee’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or school liaison, particularly around contacts, timing, planned activities and any issues or concerns 

- Maintain regular and open communication with your mentee, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) or school liaison, and the Agency o Take initiative in planning your outings, but include them in the decision-making process o Let your mentee know when to expect to see you next; allow the friendship to develop at its own pace o Notify Agency of changes to contact information, or any personal change that could impact the match 

-Report any concerns about the match to the Agency immediately 

-Set and respect boundaries with your mentee, parent(s)/guardian(s)/school liaison and Agency staff 

- Respect the privacy and diversity of your mentee and their family 

- Participate in all required match monitoring and commit to a positive, formal closing of the mentoring match (when it’s time) 

- Follow Agency and child protection protocols as discussed in your training. Your Agency staff are always able to guide and support you.