Volunteer Application

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Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor! Being a Big is not complicated nor time consuming; however, it does involve a consistent commitment that will result in a positive impact for youth in your community.

If you have not taken the opportunity to explore the options available to volunteer or you still have questions, contact Michael Cotrell at 513-278-5107 or check out our “Frequently Asked Questions” page.

To begin your application, you should:

Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Set aside about 25 minutes to complete your application (You can save your progress at the top of the page and come back if needed)

Have on hand the following documents:

Drivers License

Car Insurance

Collect the contact information of:

3 references you have known for at least 2 years (phone & email)

Any youth serving organizations you participated in within the past 5 years

Our Programs

Community-Based:

Flexible schedule and activities
At least 2 outings each month
Commit for at least 4 hours each month and 1 year commitment

Site-Based:

Meet for one hour a week at a designated site for at least one year
Meeting options include lunch and evening hours
Great for busy people who have limited free time

What program are you most interested in?

Community-BasedSite-BasedUnsure

Personal & Occupational Information

Hidden Fields

Contact ID 18 Character

Enrollment ID 18 Character

Contact Owner ID

Contact Owner Email

Personal Information

First Name

Preferred Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

Gender

How do you identify?

Personal Pronouns

What pronouns do you use?

Social Security Number

Personal Email

Work Email

Alternate Email

Preferred Email

Mobile Phone

Home Phone

Work Phone

Alternate Phone

Preferred Phone

Best Time to Call

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

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

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

Auto Insurance Effective Date

Auto Insurance Company

Auto Insurance Policy Duration

6 months12 months

Auto Insurance Broker/Agent

Please upload a copy of your auto insurance.

File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture

Additional Contact Information

Physical Address

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Mailing Address

Mailing Street Address

Mailing City

Mailing State

Mailing Zip Code

County

Emergency Contact Information

Name

Phone

Relationship

Employer Information

Employment Status

Name of Employer

Occupation

Employment Length (Months)

Employment Length (Years)

Employer Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Is it okay to call at work?

YesNo

Additional Information

Level of Education

Year Degree Obtained

Education Years Completed

Have you served in the military?

How did you hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Referral Detail ID

References

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

Personal Reference ID

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Relationship to you

Years Known

Minimum 2 years

Pre-Interview Questionnaire

Prior to your 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 interview.

Do you have any concerns about your ability to fulfill the one-year commitment required of mentors?

YesNo

Do you anticipate any significant life changes over the next year or have you had any this past 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

Do you have a dog in your home?

YesNo

Please describe each dog's breed:

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

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

City/State

From

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

Name

Birth Date

Digital Technology and Social Networking Policy

It is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati to ensure youth protection in digital technology and social networking.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati protects confidentiality regarding personal and identifying information about Littles and their families.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati requires use of privacy controls and settings to ensure Littles can only access age-appropriate content when using volunteer's device.

We protect child safety with processes for reporting social media misuse or content that may endanger the Little's health, safety, or well-being.

We ensure the use of approved communication methods (email, text, phone, mail, video conferencing, social media) between matches.

If you have questions about this policy, contact your Match Support Specialist.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati recognizes that online social networking (TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, etc.) has become very popular communications tools and that many of our Bigs and Littles use these platforms. In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers, including friends and family. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati 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.

When discussing your involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati on social media, you must adhere to the following guidelines regarding any postings related to your match or affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati:

Do not participate in any online communication with/about your Little unless you have discussed this with the parent/guardian and Match Support Specialist and received their approval.
Never post any pictures of your Little online unless you have the written or verbal consent of the child's parent/guardian. File that consent form with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati.
Never post the last name of your Little, their parent/guardian, or BBBS staff.
Never post any contact information for your Little.
Never post any identifying information about your Little (i.e.: child's home address, school the child attends, where the parent works).
Never post anything that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to your Little or their parent/guardian.
Make sure your page settings are set to private, so only people you approve can view your online content.
Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; be cautious when posting detailed information about conversations with your Little, their parent/guardian, or BBBS staff. Posting generalized information or status updates is typically appropriate, but lengthier postings or blogs containing in-depth information should be approved by the parent/guardian and by BBBS prior to posting.
Do not post anything that exemplifies questionable behavior as a role model for a child. No alcohol or seemingly drunken behavior, cigarettes, night club activities, etc. should be referenced or shown in pictures, whether you are partaking or not.
Online privacy does not exist. Do not assume that things you publish on a private personal profile cannot be accessed. No matter what settings are applied to your social networking sites, all it takes is for someone to copy and paste that information on to a public site. As a general rule of thumb, do not post content that you would not want to see in the newspaper.
When in doubt about whether something is appropriate to post, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting.

Site-Based Volunteer Bigs are not permitted to engage in any communication with their Little or their Little's parent/guardian through social networking sites such as Facebook, X formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

We strongly recommend that Community-Based Volunteer Bigs not engage in any communication with their Little or their Little's parent/guardian through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. If the Big decides to connect with their Little via social media, they may do so only with express permission of the parent/guardian and after communicating this plan to the Match Support Specialist. All parties should be aware of the Little's media release status and should not post pictures or identifying or location information about their Little on social media or any website. All social media posts must be appropriate for a minor to view, tasteful, and respectful. Furthermore, although a Volunteer Big's social networking site has been reviewed as a part of the screening process, for their further protection:

Volunteer Bigs will be asked to maintain the highest privacy settings on their social networking sites, if applicable.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has the right to monitor the social media activities of our Bigs. If you are seen using social media inappropriately, your relationship with our organization could be terminated.

I have read and understand the social media guidelines set by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. I agree to abide by these guidelines when using social media. Failure to comply with the policy could lead to potential match closure.

Firearms and Weapons Policy

While some adults possess weapons for hunting and/or protection purposes, it is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati that all agency volunteers agree:

To inform Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati of the ownership of weapons or the presence of weapons in the home. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will discuss the ownership of weapons during the volunteer’s interview and/or home assessment, and update that status for the life of the match. For purposes of this policy, “weapons” may include all firearms, handguns, zip guns, knives (except for kitchen knives and small pocket knives not used or intended for use as a weapon or to inflict bodily injury) and explosive devices.
A volunteer who owns firearms and stores them at their residence or any other location will lock the weapons or install trigger locks whenever a Little is at or near the storage area. Ammunition will also be stored separately and inaccessible to the Little.
A volunteer who owns firearms and stores them at their residence must attest to the fact that they are licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.
To adhere to the policy that a volunteer will not carry a concealed handgun at any time while accompanying the child assigned to you by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati or accompanying any other child participating in a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati activity (with the exception of law enforcement officers who are required to carry a weapon at all times and have received prior approval from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati).
To understand that BBBS of Greater Cincinnati will disclose to the parent or guardian of the child assigned to you the agency’s weapons policy and the volunteer’s admission of weapon ownership or the presence of a weapon in the home.
Volunteers will not participate in any activity with their Little involving guns, i.e. hunting, unless the activity takes place at a qualified shooting range or gun club in the business of handling firearms. The volunteer must clear the activity with their Little's parent and their Match Support Specialist and the shooting range or gun club must provide proof of licensure, insurance and protocols outlining training, supervision and safety guidelines.

I have read and understand the Firearm Policy. I agree to program participation under the above conditions.

Pet Waiver and Release of Liability

1. Pets in the Program

As part of BBBSGC community-based matches, Bigs and Littles may spend time in homes or community spaces where pets (such as dogs or cats) are present.

2. Understanding the Risks

Being around animals comes with some risks. These may include things like bites, scratches, allergic reactions, or other injuries. By participating in BBBSGC match activities, you understand and accept these risks.

3. Your Role in Staying Safe

• Being respectful and cautious around pets

• Following guidance from BBBSGC staff, volunteers, and pet owners

• Sharing any allergies, fears, or concerns about animals with BBBSGC staff ahead of time

4. Release of Liability

By participating in BBBSGC programming, you agree that BBBSGC and its staff, volunteers, partners, and affiliates are not responsible for injuries or damages that may happen as a result of being around pets during match activities.

5. Responsibility for Your Actions

We want all BBBSGC matches to have safe and positive experiences. If something happens involving a pet because of your actions during a match activity, you agree to take responsibility for any resulting costs or damages.

This could include things like property damage or injuries caused by not following guidance or instructions. This section does not apply to situations outside of your control.

6. Medical Care

If you (or your child) are injured and need medical care, you agree that you are responsible for any related costs.

7. Legal Information

This form follows the laws of the state where BBBSGC programming takes place. If any part of this form is found to be invalid, the rest will still apply.

I confirm that:

I have read and understand the Pet Waiver and Release of LiabilityI have had the opportunity to ask questions with independent counsel of my choiceI agree to these terms as part of participating in BBBSGC programing

Volunteer Code of Conduct

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati provides children and youth with safe, quality mentoring relationships with caring adults who serve as volunteers. Our Bigs teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers, and community. As a Big, you share with your Little, their parents/guardians, and the agency, a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship by observing our code of conduct.

I agree to conduct myself in a manner consistent with my position as a positive role model to a child/youth, and as a representative of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati.

I agree to respect the privacy and dignity of the Littles and families we serve, by not divulging confidential information without consent, except where required by law, as in the case of suspected child abuse.

I will not inflict any physical, sexual, emotional, or other abuse or exploitation on children and/or youth.

I will use respectful and appropriate language in all interactions with my Little and avoid use of the following: profanity, derogatory terms, inappropriate jokes, name calling, or discussion of intimate personal details of my life.

I will respect my Little's personal space and boundaries and avoid inappropriate physical contact, including tickling, wrestling, sitting on laps, back rubs, etc.

I will provide fair treatment to youth and their family, no matter gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, medical needs, and/or sexual orientation.

The Big-Little relationship is based on mutual respect. I agree to always treat my Little and their family in a respectful manner.

I agree to notify BBBS immediately of any safety issues in the life of my Little that I become aware of while volunteering.

I understand that failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

I agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Non Discrimination Policy

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

Terms and Conditions

I consent to and understand that:

The references and youth-serving organization(s) I listed may be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in person;
The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records check, adult criminal history check, military records, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth;
I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services;
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati 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, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati is not required to disclose reasons for doing so;
Other Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references;
As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an interview;
I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law or is permitted by our Privacy Policy, which can be found at https://www.bigsforkids.org/privacy-policy.html
I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to proper authorities;
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);
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.)
I agree to complete questionnaires throughout my time in the program to evaluate and improve program services;
I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required by the agency.
Please note that BBBSGC may utilize AI and transcription services to enhance our operations and ensure accurate record-keeping.

I accept the terms and conditions

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 of Greater Cincinnati.

I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, 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 of Greater Cincinnati. 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 of Greater Cincinnati program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges, and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal matters. I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati staff needs to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.

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

Running background checks can run up to $20.00 per volunteer applicant. If you would like to cover the costs of your background checks, please visit www.bigsforkids.org/donate or our Venmo handle is @CincyBigs.

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