Volunteer Application | COMMUNITY PROGRAM

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Non-Discrimination Policy

Our participants come to us with a wide range of personal characteristics. We believe that participant eligibility shall be determined without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. 

Program Information
Hello and welcome to the "Big" on-line application!

As a Big in the Community Program you will be matched with a child who is 8 to 16 years old, has similar interests and is in proximate location to you.

Your role as a Big is that of a friend, coach, and caring adult. We ask that you meet with your Little 1-4 times a month for at least 4 hours in total.

We request that Bigs and Littles commit to a year-long, consistent relationship, but often matches decide together to continue in these special, supported friendships for several years.

We provide some structured/sponsored events and encourage free-to-low cost activities. We share ideas through our social media and monthly newsletter, but what the Match does is up to the Big and Little, with prior approval from the Parent/Guardian.

All Matches are supported by a team of BBBS Staff, which means you will have a specialist who can: answer questions, provide tools to help you navigate goal setting, offer advice, and inspire activities to make your mentoring relationship meaningful and rewarding.

This application process should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete and it is the first step to becoming a Big!

As a caring and careful organization, we do have several pages of administrative requests, including: background checks, motor vehicle records, and proof of auto insurance.
Hidden Fields




Please review and submit accurate information, including birthdate and full names without abbreviations.
Basic Information


Please provide your Full Middle Name - No initials or abbreviations. Write N/A if you do not have a middle name.


input NA if none


Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to apply.

Child safety is our priority. We request and require all applicants to submit this information to run national and state background checks.





Why? Your answers help us better understand the communities we serve. This information is not used to determine acceptance into our programs.


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File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture

We will ask for you to send us proof of auto insurance as you progress through the enrollment process. Please have your insurance declaration page available to send when requested. Thank you!
Contact Information



























Employer Information










Additional Information








References and Background Check

Previous Experience










Volunteer Experience











Please provide at least three references below including:
  • Your spouse or domestic partner OR a family member if you do not have a spouse, partner, or significant other.
  • Current or former employee or co-worker you have known for at least one year or someone from your school if you are a student
  • A friend or neighbor you have known for at least two years
Spousal/Familial Reference







Professional Reference







Minimum 1 year
Personal Reference







Minimum 2 years
I consent to and understand that:
  1. The references and youth-serving organization(s) I listed 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 (see attached authorization), military records, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth;
  3. I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services;
  4. 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; 
  5. Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references;
  6. As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an in-person interview;
  7. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law.  
  8. I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to proper authorities;
  9. I understand that certain relevant information about me 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, 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 complete questionnaires throughout my time in the program to evaluate and improve program services;
  12. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required by the agency.

Pre-Interview Questionnaire

Prior to your in-person interview, please answer the questions below. The information you provide will also help us make a better match for you and assure we can support you during your involvement with our program. Please note that you will have an opportunity to discuss these questions and your responses more thoroughly during your in-person interview.  




Agency Weapons Policy

A Big who owns firearms or weapons and stores them at their residence or any other location will truthfully disclose this information to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest (BBBSCMMW). A firearm is defined as a weapon from which a shot it discharged by gunpowder. The Big must attest to the fact that any weapons, firearms, or ammunition ownership are licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with al the state and federal laws. The Big will lock firearms and weapons in a secure location whenever a Little is at or near the storage area. Ammunition will also be stored separately and be inaccessible to the Little. The Big will not carry a firearm while with their Little, regardless of whether the volunteer has a permit to carry a firearm. This includes no firearms in vehicles. 








Please provide the name, age, and relationship to you for anyone else residing in your home.



Release of Information Authorization for Background Check

By my signature below, I hereby consent to the preparation by Sterling Volunteers, a consumer reporting agency located at 4511 Rockside Road, 4th Floor, Independence, OH 44131, 855-326-1820 Option 3, www.sterlingvolunteers.com, of background reports regarding me and the release of such reports to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central/Metrowest (BBBSCM) and its designated representatives, to assist BBBSCM in making an employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position decision involving me at any time after receipt of this authorization and throughout my employment and/or volunteer/non-employee position, to the extent permitted by law. To this end, I hereby authorize, without reservation, any state or federal law enforcement agency or court, educational institution, motor vehicle record agency, credit bureau or other information service bureau or data repository, or employer to furnish any and all information regarding me to Sterling Volunteers and/or BBBSCM itself, and authorize Sterling Volunteers to provide such information to BBBSCM. 


Background checks are renewed at a minimum of every three years.  

Release of Information Authorization of Driving Record from Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles

1. I hereby authorize Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest, Inc. (“BBBS” or the “Agency”) to submit a request for my driving record to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles.

2. I further consent to the release of my driving record to the Agency and other interested parties, including any insurance companies or agencies that provide insurance coverage to the Agency.

3. I understand that the Agency will use these records to evaluate my suitability to fulfill driving duties that may be related to the position for which I now hold or am applying.

4. I also consent to the review, evaluation, and other use of any driving records or other motor vehicle records that I or others may have provided or may provide to the Agency.

5. This express written consent is intended to be given in satisfaction of any and all applicable Federal, State, or local laws.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recognizes that online social networking (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.) has become a very popular communications tool and that many of our Big Brothers/Sisters and Little Brothers/Sisters use these websites. In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers, including friends and family. BBBS wants to reiterate that your relationship with your Little is that of a mentor in addition to a friend.  

Not all social networking sites are designed to support mentoring relationships.  

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 Match Support Specialist and/or postpone your invitation or acceptance. If you do choose to participate in a social networking site with your Little, you 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 or Match Support Specialist and have received their approval.  

· Never post any pictures of your Little online unless you have the written consent of the child’s parent/guardian. That consent form should be filed with BBBS.  

· Never post the last name of your Little, his/her parent/guardian or BBBS staff.  

· Never post any contact information for your Little.  

· Never post any identifying information about your Little (ie: child’s home address, school the child attends, where the parent works, etc).  

· Make sure that your page settings are set to private, so that only people you approve can view your online content. Ensure that BBBS and the parent/guardian are approved if you plan to post content related to your match.  

· When in doubt about whether or not something is appropriate to post, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting.  

 

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in the termination of your match.  

Media Consent and Release

I irrevocably consent to any and all uses and displays of my name, image, likeness, appearance, basic biographical information, audio/video recordings, writings, artwork, and the like, in original form or in modified form, in whole or in part, in, on, or in connection with merchandise, advertising, publicity, marketing, fundraising, and the like, in printed or electronic media, of any type, throughout the world at any time by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest in their sole discretion, and by any of their affiliates, successors, partners, sponsors, donors, any entities or persons with whom they conduct any public relations, marketing, or fund raising of any type, and any other authorized third parties, without further consent from me, without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me, and with the release and waiver of any claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liability of any kind arising from any such use (the “Released Material”).
In consideration of the mutual promises made herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I hereby grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the right to use the Released Material as BBBSA and/or its affiliates may desire, in all media now existing or hereafter created and in all variations and forms including, but not limited to, internal or external publications or productions, informational or recruitment materials, marketing materials, fundraising materials, televised photography and/or recordings, advertisements, Public Service Announcements, and/or online and social media sites. The use of this information shall be at the sole discretion of BBBSA and/or its affiliates.

I further grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the absolute right to use the Released Material in whole or in part, alone or in conjunction with any other image, name, writings or reproduction, in color or otherwise, for art, advertising, business, trade, or any other lawful purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.

I understand and agree that all materials created by BBBSA and/or its affiliates that use the Released Materials are the property of and are owned by BBBSA, and that I cannot authorize their use by any other party.  I further understand that BBBSA may authorize their use by a third party. I hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to BBBSA my entire right, title and interest, if any, in and to the Released Materials and all copyrights in the Released Materials arising in any jurisdiction throughout the world, including the right to register and sue to enforce such copyrights against infringers.

I acknowledge and agree that I have no right to review or approve the Released Materials before they are used by BBBSA and/or its affiliates, and that BBBSA has no liability to me for any editing or alteration of the Released Materials or for any distortion or other effects resulting from BBBSA’s and/or its affiliates’ editing, alteration or use of the Released Materials.  BBBSA has no obligation to use the Released Materials or to exercise any rights given by this Consent and Release Form.

I hereby release BBBSA and its affiliates, employees, and agents, as well as any partner companies, from all claims, demands or liabilities and related financial costs that I may now or hereafter have arising in connection with BBBSA’s exercise of the rights hereby granted, and/or with the appearance or the Released Materials in any publication or production. These include, without limitation, claims for compensation, defamation, or invasion of privacy, or other infringements or violations of personal or property rights of any sort whatsoever.

Child Safety Guidelines and Ground Rules for Volunteers     


1. I will make sure my Little is wearing his/her safety belt while driving.  The child must sit in the back seat until 12 years of age.  Children must use a booster seat in Massachusetts for a child that's up to 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall or 57 inches tall. 

2. Texting and talking while driving with my Little is prohibited.   

3. When my Little visits, firearms in my home will be locked and unloaded; ammunition is kept in a separate place. 

4. My Little and I are not permitted to participate in any activities that involve weapons, firearms, and ammunition. 

5. If I am on a boat, my Little must wear a life vest at all times.  If we are riding bikes, my Little must wear a helmet.   

6. I will abstain from alcohol/tobacco for a minimum of 6 hours prior to/during activities with my Little, even if the parent says it is okay to do so. I will abstain from marijuana for a minimum of 12 hours prior to/during activities with my Little. Furthermore, I agree to have my person, clothing and my vehicle free of marijuana paraphernalia and odor prior to/during activities with my Little. I am responsible for my Little when we are together. 


I agree to all of the following conditions: 

 1. I will visit with my Little once a week for one year. I will adhere to all community-based guidelines.

2. I will not spend more than 50% of match meetings with my Little at my home. 

3. I will not use my cell phone while meeting with my Little, except for in cases of emergency. 

4. All plans must be clearly understood between myself and my Little’s parent/guardian.  This is not the responsibility of my Little. I will receive prior approval from the parent/guardian for all outings with my Little. 

5. All activities should be low to no cost with my Little. If I want to spend more than $100 for an activity, I will contact my Match Support Specialist for approval.  

6. I understand I should be the only one to provide transportation to my Little, as I am the only one approved by the BBBS agency. No other individuals will be included.  

7. I understand the Agency encourages a working relationship between myself and my Little’s parent/guardian. I will not develop a personal relationship with my Little’s family, as this may adversely affect our friendship.

8. I understand when my Little is in trouble or grounded at home, he/she should still be allowed on outings with me.

9. I understand BBBS strongly discourages connecting on social networking sites with my Little. 

10.  I will return all calls from Big Brothers Big Sisters within 48 hours and provide feedback about the match. I understand that failure to do so will result in the termination of the match. 

11.  I will complete agency surveys regarding my relationship with my Little. 

12.  I will report any problem or concern with my Match Support Specialist ASAP. 

13.  I understand that overnight outings between myself and my Little are not allowed. 

14.  I will report any changes in address, telephone number, place of employment and e-mail address.  

Disclosure of Non-Discriminatory Policy

I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and Metrowest is committed to the inclusion of all people and seek to support all identities.
I understand that Big and Littles will not be excluded from the program based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or religious preference.
I understand that Match support specialists may be able to accommodate matches based on similar affinities. Bigs and Littles may be matched with a person who identifies as a member of any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability or religious preference.
I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and Metrowest stands on the inclusion of others as a core value.

Application Acknowledgement

I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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.  

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