LogoAdult Volunteer Big Application

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Being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters is not only FUN, but extremely rewarding. Soon you’ll have the chance to impact the lives of local youth in our community. 


BUT FIRST… here’s a few Big Requirements to assure our Littles have the most positive and effective experience:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Are committed to meet with your little 2-4 times a month for a minimum of 12 months
  • Have reliable transportation for your Little
  • Will connect with your Program Coordinator each month
  • Are not going through major life changes that would impact your Match

Not sure if you’re ready? We’d love to talk more. Please reach out to Tasha Bruns-Notsch @ 320.310.1276 or Tasha@BigDefenders.org. 

READY TO GO BIG? APPLY NOW BELOW!

Inclusion Statement

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an integral part of our values and mission.  We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives and experiences, of our stakeholders, including youth, families, board members, donors, volunteers, and staff.  We ensure the opportunity for voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the community, we foster an environment where people can be their best selves.  


We affirm that every person [regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, gender expression, income, national origin, race, or sexual orientation, marital or veteran status] has the opportunity to reach their full potential.  We strive to realize the full potential that is within all of us by ensuring that voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

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Previous Experience


Volunteer Preference

References and Background Check

Please provide at least three references. A reference from a Spouse/Spousal Equivalent or Significant Other is required. Substitute a family member if no Spouse/Spousal Equivalent or Significant Other. For the professional and personal reference please list someone you have known at least 1 year.
Spousal/Familial Reference







Professional Reference






Personal Reference







Youth Experience










I consent to and understand that:

  1. The references and youth serving-organization I listed on my application may be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in-person;

  2. The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records check, juvenile and adult criminal history check, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth. I consent to the preparation and release of background check reports to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and its designated representatives;

  3. I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services and the BBBS agency is not obligated to match me with a youth and may deny my application or close my match at any time, and to protect all participants’ confidentiality, BBBS is not required to disclose reasons for doing so;

  4. Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references;

  5. As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an interview;

  6. As part of the enrollment process to become a Big Family, my child(ren) will be required to participate in an in-take interview conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and complete questionnaires throughout their time in the program containing questions about school, home life, and personal interests, and talk with a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff about personal safety;

  7. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law and with exceptions noted below. 

  8. I understand that as a Big I am a Mandated Reporter and incidents of child abuse or neglect, past or present, must be reported to proper authorities;

  9. I understand that certain relevant information about me and my child(ren) (if a Big Family) will be discussed with the parent/guardian of a child who is a prospective match (this might include demographic information, information relevant to parent/child preferences, background/motor vehicle checks,  and any information relevant to a child’s safety or well-being);

  10. It is my responsibility to update the agency if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other information provided during the enrollment process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto-insurance, new criminal charges, etc.).

  11. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff.

  12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN utilizes text messages to communicate with participants in our program.  At any time, you wish not to receive these texts please reply STOP. You will not receive any texts from us after that. 

  13. I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has developed a digital platform to help Bigs and Littles stay in touch more easily in a safe and secure way.  I consent, should I be matched, to having contact with my Little through this digital platform.


I I  

 

I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters, including this application, is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained in my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer.

 

At any time while involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges, and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal matters.  I understand that BBBS staff needs to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.  


I 

Interest Inventory


We really appreciate you taking the time to complete this Volunteer Big application.  By completing this ahead of time it cuts down on the amount of time an interview takes.  You are almost finished. 

Confidentiality Policy 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota respects the confidentiality of client and volunteer records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about clients and volunteers only among the agency professional staff.

 

All records are considered the property of the agency and not the agency workers, clients or volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by the clients or volunteers.

 

  1. Information will be released to other individuals or non-BBBS organizations only with the client or volunteer's written consent.

 

  1. For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with the prior approval of the Board of Directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access to client and volunteer records.

 

  1. Members of the Board of Directors or evaluators appointed by the Board have access to client files upon authorization of the Board of Directors.

 

  1. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.

 

  1. Information shall be provided to an agency's legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency.

 

  1. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities (law enforcement or social services).

 

  1. If an agency worker receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may be dangerous to themselves or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or report to the local law enforcement      authorities.

 

  1. At the time a child or volunteer is considered as a match candidate, information is shared between the prospective match parties. The information about the volunteer may include such items as: age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies, marriage, family status, sexual orientation, living situation, etc. Information about the child may include such items as age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies, family situation, etc.


Social Media Policy
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)  recognizes that online social networking (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, etc.) has become a very popular communication tool and that many of our Bigs and Littles use these platforms. In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communication between peers, including friends and family. BBBS wants to reiterate that the relationship between the Big and Little is that of a mentor in addition to a friend.  Not all social networking sites are designed to support mentoring relationships.

Bigs:

Please proceed thoughtfully when inviting or accepting an invitation from your Little to a social networking site.  If you have any doubts, please contact your Program Coordinator and/or postpone your invitation or acceptance. If Bigs do choose to participate in a social networking site with their Little, they must adhere to the following guidelines regarding any postings related to your match or affiliation with BBBS.

Do not participate in any online communication with/about your Little unless you have discussed this with the parent/guardian and Program Coordinator and have received their approval.

  • Never post any pictures of your Little online if there is not a signed release on file with BBBS.
  • Never post the last name of your Little or their parent/guardian or tag them in a photo.
  • Never post any contact information of your Little.
  • Never post any identifying information about your Little (their  home address, where the parent/guardian works, etc.).  Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; be cautious when posting.
Media Release

Firearms and Weapons Policy
  • Bigs must disclose ownership of any weapons and/or firearms to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) staff.  BBBS will notify the parent/guardian of this ownership.
  • In the home: All firearms must be locked/secured and inaccessible to the Little.
  • Personal firearm/carry and conceal: Bigs are prohibited from carrying, possessing or using firearms including but not limited to, pistols or other weapons while Littles are in the Bigs' care and while at BBBS sponsored events, at the BBBS office or at off-premise locations, unless for hunting or target practice purposes.  This policy applies to all volunteers, including but not limited to those who have a valid permit to carry a pistol.  An exception to this policy would be in the case of Law Enforcement Officers who are employed by a Law Enforcement Agency.
  • No Little is permitted to use a firearm until they have completed a gun safety course and are at least 12 years of age.  Proof of course completion is required.
  • The Parent/Guardian must give their consent for a youth to use a firearm on a match activity (target shooting, hunting) and must have a signed release on file with the Program Coordinator.  Game farms and target ranges are preferred locations for this type of activity.  Parents/Guardians must also provide the Program Coordinator with a firearms safety course completion certificate for the Little.
Violation of this policy could result in the volunteer being released from the program.

Youth Transport Policy

Some of our programs, community-based and site-based plus require that Bigs be licensed drivers who are able to transport their Littles to activities.  

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN's minimum child transport requirements for volunteers include: 


  • All volunteers who transport children/youth must hold required licenses and insurance on their personal vehicle; evidence of licensure and coverage will be kept in each volunteer's file. 
  • Any agency volunteer who receives a citation or ticket for any driving offense other than parking violations must notify their Program Coordinator within 3 business days.
  • If a child or other person tests positive for COVID-19 and has been in the volunteer's personal vehicle, clean and disinfect the vehicle as soon as possible.
  • Smoking or vaping in a vehicle while transporting a child is strictly prohibited.
  • Cell phone use is limited to handsfree function for conversations or texting.  
  • Use of factory-installed seatbelts is required for all vehicle occupants. 
  • All children must be in a car/booster seat until they are 4’9” tall, or at least age 8, whichever comes first.  Children under the age of 13 must sit in the back seat (if there is one). Children should be 4’9” tall and/or 90 pounds before sitting in a front seat with airbags.  
  • Children under 16 are not allowed to operate an off-road vehicle. 
  • Abide by any and all local and state driving laws. 
  • Comply with our agency's Alcohol, Tobacco Products, and Illicit and Legal Drugs and Substances policy.  
  • Smoking or vaping in a vehicle while transporting a child is strictly prohibited.
  • Comply with insurance reporting requirements for any accident that takes place while transporting children on behalf of our agency.   

The Volunteer Big's insurance serves as primary coverage with Big Brothers Big Sisters' insurance being secondary.  Big Brothers Big Sisters' insurance would be excess only for liability.  Physical damage to a Volunteer Big's vehicle while driving their Little, is covered by the Volunteer Big's personal auto coverage.


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