BBBSLA Volunteer Application

| Resume a previously saved form
Resume Later

In order to be able to resume this form later, please enter your email and choose a password.

BBBS of Greater Los Angeles - Candidate Questionnaire 

Please answer the following questions. This questionnaire will help us determine if our mentorship program is the best fit for you.

Thank you for your interest!

We apologize that we cannot continue your application at this time. Our program is not designed to meet your volunteer needs. Please click HERE to find an alternative mentorship program for you to volunteer. We sincerely hope you find the program that suits your availability, desire and passion, and again we are sorry we cannot assist you at this time.

Application Fee

*Please note there is a $30 application fee at the end of this application to help pay for fingerprinting (Live Scan). The application will take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete. We recommend completing it in one sitting. If you exit the window before submitting, your information will NOT be saved. 
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, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. 

Hidden Fields




Basic Information




input NA if none


You must be 18 years or older








To select multiple, hold CTRL/CMD and click.






File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture





File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture
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

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 in your interview appointment.  






Media Consent and Release


I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (“BBBSLA”) is seeking to use my image, likeness, name, biographical information, personal characteristics, quotations, writings, information contained in writings, and/or audio or video recordings of me, whether made through BBBSLA or elsewhere (the “Released Material”) for or in BBBSLA publications or productions.

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 BBBSLA the right to use the Released Material as BBBSLA 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 BBBSLA. 

I further grant to BBBSLA 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 BBBSLA that use the Released Materials are the property of and are owned by BBBSLA, and that I cannot authorize their use by any other party. I hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to BBBSLA 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 BBBSLA, and that BBBSLA has no liability to me for any editing or alteration of the Released Materials or for any distortion or other effects resulting from BBBSLA’s editing, alteration or use of the Released Materials. BBBSLA has no obligation to use the Released Materials or to exercise any rights given by this Consent and Release Form. 

I further acknowledge that, if invited and available, I am willing and able to attend and/or speak on national or local television about my involvement with BBBSLA, including to speak about the mentoring match in which I am engaged, have engaged, or wish to engage. I understand that BBBSLA will pay for travel and travel-related expenses if I am required to travel for such an appearance. 

I hereby release BBBSLA from all claims, demands or liabilities and related financial costs that I may now or hereafter have arising in connection with BBBSLA’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.



COVID-19 | Assumption of Risk, Hold Harmless and Liability Release

In connection with my participation in, and in connection with my engagement with, Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Greater Los Angeles (“Organization”) and for other good and valuable consideration, I hereby acknowledge and agree the following as part of this Assumption of Risk, Hold Harmless and Liability Release (the “Release”) 

I acknowledge, understand, and am aware that portions of the Organizations activities are intended to take place in regions potentially affected by COVID-19 (also known as the Coronavirus) and other diseases, illnesses and hazards (collectively, “Affected Area”), and that I may be in proximity to and/or interacting with individuals who may be sick, who may or may not be exhibiting symptoms or who may be infected by COVID-19 or who may be otherwise contagious. I am aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), in addition to other local, state and federal health and government agencies have issued numerous alerts, warnings, advisories, restrictions, directives and in some cases orders regarding the transmission and potential effects of COVID-19 and I fully acknowledge and accept the risks involved in voluntarily being in the Affected Area. I hereby acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily deciding to remain in the Affected Area and that my decision to do so is mine and mine alone, which I arrived at after careful thought and consideration, and which has not been influenced by Organization, or any representatives, employees, agents or affiliates thereof, and further, such decision is not required as a condition of my future services, activities, or involvement in connection with the Organization or otherwise. I further acknowledge that my election to remain in the Affected Area may significantly increase my risk of contracting COVID-19. By electing to remain in the Affected Area, I acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily potentially exposing myself to various hazards, including but not limited to, illness, injury, infection, and/or death. I acknowledge and agree that it is my responsibility to take appropriate health and safety precautions. I freely and knowingly accept and assume any and all risks of being in the Affected Area as well as any risks not mentioned herein that are associated with my engagement in and in connection with the Organization. 

I represent and warrant that I am in good physical health, that I do not have any of the conditions that the CDC has categorized as “high risk” in the event I contract Covid-19 (including, without limitation, preexisting, underlying or chronic health conditions or previous medical concerns or diagnosis), and that I am physically able and mentally capable of engaging in the Organization’s activities in the Affected Area. In the event I begin to exhibit symptoms of Covid-19, or I otherwise feel sick, I acknowledge and agree that I will immediately notify the Organization and discontinue my engagement hereunder. Additionally, I will immediately notify Organization if I have been exposed to, or am exposed to, someone who has tested positive for Covid-19. 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby expressly release, indemnify, discharge and hold harmless Organization, and its licensees and assigns, and each of their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related companies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, licensees, assigns and designees, from and against any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action of any kind, including without limitation, claims for personal injury, disability, death, property damage and/or other loss of any sort suffered by me in connection with my engagement by Organization, or any other adverse consequences or outcomes that may result from my engaging in services in connection with the Organization and/or being in the Affected Area. 

This Release shall be deemed to be entered into in the State of California and shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California. If any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Release, or the breach of any term hereof, cannot be settled through direct discussions, the parties agree to endeavor first to settle the controversy or claim by mediation conducted in Los Angeles County, California and administered by JAMS under its Commercial Mediation Rules. If a controversy or claim is not otherwise resolved through direct discussions or mediation, it shall be resolved by arbitration conducted in Los Angeles County, California, and administered by JAMS in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of JAMS (the "JAMS Rules"). The JAMS Rules for selection of an arbitrator shall be followed, except that the arbitrator shall be an experienced arbitrator licensed to practice law in California. This Release is in addition to any similar assumption of risk or releases that I may have previously entered into with Organization. 

This Release shall in no way be deemed to limit such previous release (if any) or its applicable provisions, and I agree that the waivers, releases, assumptions of risk and indemnities in any such previous release or agreement shall additionally expressly apply to my engagement with the Organization and/or my being in the Affected Area hereunder. In the event of a conflict between the any previous release or agreement and this Release, the terms of this Release shall govern solely to the extent necessary to resolve such conflict.


Policy on Assessment and Matching for Volunteers

Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally  supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a mentoring program designed to help children whose  parent/guardian has indicated a need for having a strong role model in their lives. While  the program is interfaith and interracial, the desires of the child’s parent or guardian are  respected in selection of the appropriate man/woman for each child. 

In determining whether an applicant may be accepted into the program, consideration will  be given to personal factors of each applicant. Professional Agency personnel will determine,  at their sole discretion, whether these factors may have a significant effect upon the  relationship, and if revealed at a later date, could affect it adversely. 

Personal interviews are conducted to establish a profile of each applicant. All information will  be kept in strictest confidence. Prior to a suggested matching, a similar profile of the Little  Brother/Little Sister and his/her family will be discussed with the Big Brother/Big Sister  applicant. 

THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT (1) IF SELECTED, HE/SHE IS  OBLIGATED TO PERFORM THE VOLUNTEER SERVICES HEREIN APPLIED FOR (2) THE  AGENCY IS NOT OBLIGATED TO ASSIGN OR ACTIVELY SEEK TO ASSIGN A LITTLE  BROTHER/LITTLE SISTER TO HIM/HER; AND (3) AS A PART OF THE AGENCY’S MATCHING  PROCESS, ADDITIONAL PERSONAL INFORMATION MAY BE REQUESTED. 

*IN THE EVENT THE APPLICANT IS NOT ACCEPTED, THE REASONS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND CONNOT BE DISCUSSED WITH THE APPLICANT.

Confidentiality Policy

Access to Confidential Records 

In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles to provide a responsible and professional service to the community, it is necessary for volunteers, children and parents/guardians to divulge personal information about themselves and their families. The agency respects the confidentiality of child and volunteer records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about children and volunteers only among the staff. The right to confidentiality applies to written records, video, film, pictures and use of a child’s or volunteer’s name in agency publications. 

In order to provide a service that is in the best interest of the children served by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential references, must be assessed along with information gained from the children, parents/guardians, or volunteers themselves.  

All records are solely the property of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. Records are not available for review by the children or volunteers. At the initial interview, children, parents/guardians, and volunteers are provided below with a copy of this statement on confidentiality along with the exceptions that define the limits of confidentiality. Each parent and volunteer shall sign a statement that he/she has read and understands the agency policy on confidentiality and agrees to program participation under the policy, in the form set forth. 

Limits of Confidentiality 
  • California state law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services. Child abuse means a physical injury that is inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person. Child abuse may result from either an act or a failure to act, as in the case of neglect. Child abuse also includes sexual abuse. All professional staff and volunteers shall always comply with current law and mandated procedures. 
  • If an agency worker receives information indicating that an individual may be dangerous to himself or herself, or to others, necessary steps must be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical and/or psychiatric referral or a report to the local enforcement authorities. 
  • Relevant information about a prospective volunteer and about a prospective Little and his/her family will be presented to a prospective match mate. First names only are used in this presentation. The information is shared in order for the prospective Big and/or Little and family to make the most informed choice. 
  • Identifying information regarding children and volunteers may be used in agency publications or promotional materials unless a media consent is withheld by the child or volunteer.  
  • Information will be released to other individuals or organizations only upon presentation of an authorized “consent to release information” form signed by the child’s parent/guardian or volunteer. 
  • For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access to child and volunteer records. Such access will be provided only on condition that these outside organizations agree to adhere to the agency policy on confidentiality. Violations of agency confidentiality policy will be reported to the supervisor of the individual involved and appropriate disciplinary action shall be imposed. Violations of the agency’s confidentiality policy may result in termination of the employment/volunteer relationship. 
  • Members of the Board of Directors may have access to a child’s file only upon a duly authorized motion of the Board of Directors. The motion shall state who shall be authorized to review records, the specific purpose for such review and the period of time during which access shall be granted. Members shall be required to comply with the agency policies on confidentiality and may use the information only for the purposes stated by the approved action of the Board of Directors. Violations shall be reported to the Board President. A violation of the agency’s confidentiality policy by a Board Member shall constitute adequate cause for removal from office. 
  • Information shall be provided to governmental agencies, law enforcement officials, or the courts only following a valid and enforceable subpoena, court order, or in accordance with applicable law.  
  • Information shall be provided to the agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency.  
Acknowledgement
Please read, initial, and date to certify.
Initial Above
Initial Above
Initial Above
Initial Above


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.  



Payment Information
One Time Application Fee 
$30.00






FAQ

Application fees help cover the cost of background check (Live Scan). 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, pleae keep your email donation receipt as your official record.
We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.