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

Welcome to the "BIG" online application!

As a Big in the Community Program, you will be matched with a child aged 8 to 16 years old who shares similar interests and is located nearby.

Your role as a Big is to be a friend, coach, and caring adult. We recommend meeting with your Little 1-4 times a month, spending at least 4 hours together.

We encourage Bigs and Littles to commit to a year-long relationship, but many matches choose to continue for several years with our support.

We offer structured/sponsored events and encourage free-to-low cost activities. While we provide ideas through our social media and monthly newsletter, the activities you do with your Little require prior approval from the Parent/Guardian.

All Matches are supported by a team of BBBS Staff, providing you with a specialist to answer questions, assist with goal setting, offer advice, and suggest meaningful activities for your mentoring relationship.

As a caring and careful organization, we have administrative requirements, including background checks, motor vehicle records, and proof of auto insurance.

The application process takes around 20 minutes and is the first step to becoming a Big!

Hidden Fields

Contact ID 18 Character

Enrollment ID 18 Character

Contact Owner ID

Contact Owner Email

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

Basic Information

First Name

Middle Name (full)

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

Last Name

Maiden/Alias

input NA if none

Preferred Name

Birthdate

VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD TO APPLY

Social Security Number

Child safety is our priority. We request and require all applicants to submit this information to run national and state background checks. No dashes.

Gender

How do you identify?

Personal Pronouns

What pronouns do you use?

Race/Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaska Native	Asian - Chinese
Asian - Filipino	Asian - Indian
Asian - Japanese	Asian - Korean
Asian - Other	Asian - Vietnamese
Black or African American	Hispanic - Cuban
Hispanic - Mexican,Mexican American,Chicano	Hispanic - Other Latinx or Spanish origin
Hispanic - Puerto Rican	Middle Eastern or North African
Pacific Islander - Chamorro	Pacific Islander - Native Hawaiian
Pacific Islander - Other	Pacific Islander - Samoan
White or Caucasian	Other
Prefer not to say

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

Tribal & Regional Corporation Affiliations

Nationality

To select multiple, hold CTRL/CMD and click.

Relationship Status

Do you have a driver's license?

Driver's License Number

Driver's License State

Driver's License Expiry

Please upload a copy of your license

File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture

Do you have active auto insurance?

YesNo

Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance Effective Date

Auto Insurance Company

Auto Insurance Policy Duration

Auto Insurance Broker/Agent

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

In addition to contacting you regarding the enrollment process, our program requires that volunteers are available to communicate with a staff member once a month to provide match support.
Please provide reliable forms of communication and indicate your preferred method of communication

Personal Email

Alternate Email

Preferred Email

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Alternate Phone

Example: Work phone if it is available for incoming calls.

Preferred Phone

Best Time to Call

In general, do you prefer to be contacted by email or phone?

I understand that failure to respond to agency outreach will result in being ineligible to participate in the program.

Mailing Address

Mailing Street Address

Mailing City

Mailing State

Mailing Zip Code

Mailing address is different from residential address

When did you start living in your current residence? (MONTH, YEAR)

Physical Address

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Emergency Contact Information

Name

Phone

Relationship

Employer Information

Employment Status

Name of Employer

Employment Length (Months)

Employment Length (Years)

Employer Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Additional Information

Level of Education

Year Degree Obtained

Have you served in the military?

How would you describe yourself, in terms of participation in events, activities, or sports?

Which activities do you enjoy more?

Why are you interested in mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Do you have any questions about our programs, volunteering times, or anything else that you would want to learn more about?

How did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Referral Detail ID

References and Background Check

Previous Experience

Have you previously applied to be or served as a Big here or anywhere else?

YesNo

When?

Where?

Have you ever been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in a capacity other than a Big?

YesNo

When?

Where?

Have you ever been denied acceptance or released from service as a volunteer or employee or another Big Brothers Big Sisters Program for another youth-serving organization?

YesNo

When?

Where?

Have you ever actively volunteered or worked with youth before as a Big or otherwise?

Volunteer Experience

YSO Reference ID

Organization Name

Location

Start Date

End Date

Direct Supervisor First Name

Direct Supervisor Last Name

Phone

Email

Years Known

Reason for Leaving

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

Spousal/Familial Reference ID

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Relationship to you

Years Known

Professional Reference

Professional Reference ID

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Relationship to you

Years Known

Minimum 1 year

Personal Reference ID

Personal Reference

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Relationship to you

Years Known

Minimum 2 years

I authorize Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest, Inc. ("BBBS" or the "Agency") to request my driving record from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles.

I also give consent for the Agency to release my driving record to other interested parties, including insurance companies or agencies that provide insurance coverage to the Agency.

I understand that the Agency will use these records to evaluate my suitability for any driving duties related to my current position or the position for which I am applying.

Additionally, I consent to the review, evaluation, and use of any driving records or other motor vehicle records provided by me or others to the Agency.

This written consent satisfies all applicable Federal, State, or local laws regarding the release of driving records.

I accept the terms above

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.

Bigs develop a meaningful relationship with their Little within the first year of their match; thinking of the year ahead, can you envision yourself mentoring for at least a year?

YesNo

Do you anticipate any significant life changes over the next year? (ie. job or schedule changes, moving, new family member, etc.)

YesNo

Please Describe

Have you ever been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime?

YesNo

Please describe:

Have you had any driving citations and/or moving violations in the past five years?

YesNo

Please describe:

Do you have guns, ammunition, or other weapons in your house?

No GunsGuns Secured

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.

I agree to keep any weapons and ammunition inaccessible to the child assigned to me by BBBS while he/she is in my custody, unless on a specifically approved match activity, as described above.

What languages do you speak fluently? (select all that apply)

African Languages (Swahili, Bantu)	American Sign Language
Arabic	Asian: Other
Chinese	Creole
Dutch	Eastern European (Czech, Slovak)
English	French
German	Greek
Hebrew	Hmong
Indian (Hindi, Punjabi)	Italian
Japanese	Keres (West)
Korean	Lao
Nordic	Persian
Portuguese	Russian
Spanish	Turkish

Have you lived in a different country or state in the last 5 years?

YesNo

Please list any counties and states that you have lived in aside from your current address in the past five years.

City/State

From

Are there other people (including spouse, roommate, or child) residing in your home?

YesNo

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

Name

Birth Date

Do you have ideas for activities or ideas for places you'd visit with a Little?

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.

I consent to the preparation and release of background reports to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and its designated representatives.

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

I also give consent for the Agency to release my driving record to other interested parties, including insurance companies or agencies that provide insurance coverage to the Agency.

I understand that the Agency will use these records to evaluate my suitability for any driving duties related to my current position or the position for which I am applying.

Additionally, I consent to the review, evaluation, and use of any driving records or other motor vehicle records provided by me or others to the Agency.

This written consent satisfies all applicable Federal, State, or local laws regarding the release of driving records.

I consent to the preparation and release of background reports to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and its designated representatives.

Social Media Guidelines for Volunteers

Big Brothers Big Sisters acknowledges the popularity of online social networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and Blogs among our Bigs and Littles. While we understand the importance of personal communication, it's essential to remember that your role as a mentor goes beyond being just a friend.

Please be cautious when inviting or accepting invitations from your Little to a social networking site. If uncertain, contact your Match Support Specialist or postpone the invitation. If you decide to use social media with your Little, follow these guidelines related to your match and affiliation with BBBS:

Obtain approval from the parent/guardian or Match Support Specialist before engaging in online communication with or about your Little.
Never post pictures of your Little online without written consent from the child's parent/guardian, filed with BBBS.
Avoid using your Little's last name, their parent/guardian's name, or BBBS staff names in your posts.
Refrain from sharing any contact information or identifying details about your Little (e.g., home address, school, parent's workplace, etc.).
Set your page privacy settings to approve only selected people, including BBBS and the parent/guardian if you plan to post match-related content.
If unsure about posting something, consult your Match Support Specialist first.

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

Your role as a mentor is valued, and maintaining appropriate boundaries online is crucial to safeguarding privacy and fostering a healthy mentoring relationship.

I have read and understand the above information provided to me regarding Big Brothers Big Sisters' Social Media Guidelines for Volunteers. I agree by the conditions set forth.

Media Consent and Release

By signing this Consent and Release Form, I give irrevocable permission to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest (BBBSCMMW) to use my name, image, likeness, biographical information, audio/video recordings, writings, and artwork, in original or modified form, for various purposes, such as merchandise, advertising, publicity, marketing, fundraising, and more, in any printed or electronic media worldwide, without further consent, royalty, or compensation to me. I also grant BBBSA and its affiliates the right to use the Released Material in conjunction with other media and for lawful purposes indefinitely. I understand that all materials created by BBBSA and its affiliates using the Released Materials will be owned by BBBSA and its affiliates, and I cannot authorize their use by others. I relinquish any claims, demands, or liabilities related to BBBSA's use of the Released Materials and release BBBSA and its affiliates from any potential legal disputes.

I have read this Consent and Release Form completely. I fully understand what it means, and I agree to its terms. I have not been offered any additional consideration or enticement, nor have I been coerced to sign this document. I am voluntarily signing it for the purposes and considerations described.

Publicity and promotional materials for Big Brothers Big Sisters are conducted in a variety of forms. May we use your name, image, likeness, appearance, or basic biographical information in these materials?

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, supporting all identities.

I acknowledge that Bigs and Littles will not be excluded from the program based on race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or religious preference.

Match Support Specialists may try to accommodate matches based on similar affinities. However, except for matching like gender identities, which is currently a requirement, all Bigs and Littles may be matched with individuals who identify as members of any race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, ability, or religious preference.

I recognize that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and Metrowest prioritizes inclusion as a core value.

By signing this agreement, you agree to these terms as a condition of participation in the program.

Application Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that this application for a volunteer opportunity with Big Brothers Big Sisters is not a promise or commitment.

I certify that all information I have provided or will provide in this application is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I have answered and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and have not withheld any information that could affect my volunteer application. I am aware that Big Brothers Big Sisters will verify the information provided. Any misrepresentations or omissions may lead to immediate rejection or termination as a volunteer.

During my involvement with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to promptly inform my contact person about any infractions, violations, charges, or convictions related to civil, domestic, or criminal matters. I agree to update the agency about any changes to the information provided during the enrollment process. I agree to complete questionnaires to evaluate and improve program services throughout my time in the program. I commit to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required.

I fully understand and consent to these conditions as part of my application process for volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest.

I have answered these questions honestly and completely to the best of my knowledge.

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