BBBS Southwestern Indiana Volunteer Application

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Non-Discrimination Policy

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is an integral part of our values and mission. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, and staff. We ensure the opportunity for all voices and perspectives to be heard and honored. In the workplace, we foster an environment where all people can be their best selves. We affirm that every person [regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ideology, 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 all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

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Basic Information




















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Contact Information























Please list any counties and states that you have lived in other than your current address.



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






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

POLICY ON FIREARMS & WEAPONS

  1. Possession of firearms and weapons* are to be disclosed to Agency Staff at Enrollment, throughout the life of the match, and during re-assessment for re-matching.
  2. Possession of firearms and weapons is to be disclosed to the child’s guardian by Agency Staff upon match presentation and when new disclosures of possession occur. 
  3. The volunteer Big must attest to the fact that any owned weapons, firearms, or ammunition are licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. 
  4. Weapons, firearms, and ammunition will be made inaccessible at all times to a child while in the volunteer Big’s care unless participating in specific, approved, and appropriate activities (e.g., hunter safety courses). Guardian and volunteer Big must approve such activities in advance, which must be documented in the match file.

Definition: Weapons include Guns, hunting knives, swords, explosives, etc.


Confidentiality and Digital Platform Policies


To best provide professional, responsible mentoring, personal and vulnerable information is disclosed by volunteer Bigs, guardians, and children. The Agency respects the privacy of volunteer Big, guardian, and child records, and maintains confidentiality by keeping records and documentation safe and used only professionally for program function. It is mandatory that all information transpired within the Agency must be strictly confidential. To adhere to complete confidentiality, the following guidelines are applied:


Safekeeping of Confidential Records

  • Agency computers and tablets used by Agency Staff are password protected. 
  • Documentation and records in Matchforce are accessible only to Agency Staff with passwords and permission levels assigned by supervisors. Upon resignation or termination of an employee, their access to Matchforce will be disabled. 
  • Digital files are kept through the Agency’s Google Drive account. Access to Google Drive is password-protected and permission levels are granted by the supervisor. 
  • Agency Staff members who add Agency functioning to their personal device(s) through Google (e.g. Drive, Sheets, Docs, etc.) must have their device approved by the Agency’s Administrative account. Upon termination or resignation of Agency Staff, permission will be disabled and the device will no longer allow the use of the Agency’s Google account. 
  • Paper files and any confidential information are not to be removed from the Agency offices unless necessary. Agency Staff must contact supervisor with the names of files that will be removed from the office, and why removal is necessary. Approval must be given by the supervisor. 
  • Paper records are kept in locked cabinets, locked offices, or locked storage units within the property of the Agency. 
  • Upon Agency Staff’s termination or resignation from the Agency, Agency Staff must sign the Agency’s separation agreement, assuring they have returned all property of the Agency, including office keys, tablets, paper files, and computers.


Program Participants

Volunteer Bigs must sign the Program Confidentiality Policy included in their program application, acknowledging the following:

  • They have read and understand the Agency’s Program Confidentiality Policy.
  • They agree to program participation in accordance to the provisions.
  • They are aware that during the matching process, personal background information relative to the match may be shared between the prospective parties. 
  • Limitations of confidentiality.
  • Written consent is required for the request and release of information from third party sources, the Agency, and other BBBS agencies. 


Request and Release of Confidential Information

Requests for or release of confidential information from other Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, organizations and/or providers must be accompanied by an authorized signed consent by the Agency’s “Release of Information” form. 


Limitations of Confidentiality

Confidential information will be shared on a need to know basis only among Agency Staff of pursuant to the following exceptions:


  1. Information will be released to other individuals or non-BBBS organizations only with the guardian or volunteer’s written consent.
  2. Identifying information regarding children, guardians, and volunteers may be used in agency publications or promotional materials unless the guardian, child, or volunteer request otherwise.
  3. 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 child, guardian, and volunteer records.
  4. Members of the Board of Directors or evaluators appointed by the Board have access to child, guardian, and volunteer files upon authorization of the Board of Directors.
  5. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena.
  6. Information shall be provided to the Agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the Agency.
  7. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities, law enforcement or Child Protection Services. 
  8. If Agency Staff receives information indicating that a child, guardian, or volunteer may be dangerous to themselves or to others, necessary steps shall be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or a report to the local law enforcement authorities.
  9. At the time a child or volunteer is considered 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, marital status, 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.


The Agency places priority on child safety throughout the development of healthy relationships between matches. To promote the safety, privacy, and confidentiality of all Agency participants, children and their families, volunteers, Board members, and Agency staff must follow the below guidelines:


  1. Volunteers, Board members, and Agency Staff have access to agency announcements, match opportunities, and updates through mailings, newsletters, and emails, which are not to be shared with the general public or through social network sites. 
  2. Volunteer Bigs must refrain from online communication with their Little until they receive guardian approval. 
  3. Volunteer Bigs who communicate with their Little through social networking sites must maintain their relationship as one of a mentor. 
  4. Volunteer Bigs must refrain from being involved in or sharing posts and content with their Little that are inappropriate for minors. 
  5. Many social networking sites have minimum age requirements for account use. Volunteer Bigs must refrain from connecting with minors that are not of the required account service age. 
  6. Any concerns or issues volunteer Bigs have regarding their match and social networking are to be addressed with Agency Staff overseeing their match.
  7. Pictures of Littles must never be posted online without the guardian's consent. 
  8. Pictures of Littles must never be “tagged,” identifying their name and linking their personal page.
  9. Identifying information about volunteers, Littles, their guardians, and family must never be posted. Identifying information includes but is not limited to; last names, address, contact information, school, and employer. 
  10. Volunteer Bigs that choose to post about their match must keep the content general and appropriate. They should refrain from posting personal, detailed information about their match, Little, or Little’s family. 
  11. Agency Staff and Board members may choose to add or be added by volunteer Bigs and guardians on their personal social networking sites but must also consider boundaries, privacy, and setting a positive image for the Agency. Communication must remain professional. Agency Staff and Board members are not expected to use their personal social networking sites to communicate with matches for Agency and program-related purposes. Social networking messages and posts will be addressed during working hours, similar to emails and phone calls. Social networking contact must never be used as a means of emergent communication from match participants to Agency Staff. 
  12. Agency Staff is prohibited from adding, accepting requests, or connecting on social networking sites with Littles in the program who are under 18 years old.


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


Agency Staff, Board members, and volunteers of the Agency are expected to continually set a positive example as they represent the mission and vision of the Agency. Agency participants are encouraged to be involved only in social networking posts and content that are positive, appropriate, and friendly in nature and be mindful to avoid postings and content that may offend, express judgment, or criticize others. Volunteers and Agency Staff must be prepared to set personal boundaries on their social networking accessibility for match participants.   


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 [BBBSA affiliate] 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                                       

SAFETY GUIDELINES


We want to work together to keep the child safe throughout your match and during match activities. Please follow the following guidelines for activities.


  • The guardian must approve all activities you plan with the child. Talk to your BBBS Case Manager when you have questions. 
  • As the Big, you must always stay with the child and not leave them with someone else.
  • As the Big, you must never use alcohol or other drugs before or during activities with the child.
  • As the Big, you must agree to obey all speed limits and traffic laws while transporting your Little. 
  • As the Big, you must never use physical discipline or yell at the child.
  • If an activity involves changing clothes to go swimming, there must be separate changing and showering places.
  • You must never ask a child to keep a secret.
  • You might want to buy an occasional gift for the child. You should ask your Case Manager for advice about this first. 
  • You must never engage in tickling, wrestling, giving backrubs, or asking a child to sit on your lap.
  • Showing pornography or sexual material is never acceptable.

COMMUNITY-BASED GROUND RULES


The following ground rules spell out the basic responsibilities for volunteer Bigs, guardians, and Littles in a Community Based match.

  1. The relationship between the volunteer Big and Little is a one-to-one mentoring relationship.  Only the assigned volunteer, Big, is authorized to spend one-on-one time with the Little. The Agency is not liable for other adults spending time with the Little. 
  2. Only the assigned volunteer Big is authorized to transport their Little. The Agency is not liable for others that transport the Little. 
  3. The volunteer Big is responsible for setting reasonable limits with the Little to ensure the Little’s safety and assist with developing mutual respect and responsibility between the volunteer Big and Little.
  4. The volunteer Big is responsible for obtaining prior approval from the guardian for match outings and activities.
  5. The volunteer Big is responsible for showing up on time for outings and for returning the Little home by the time agreed upon with the guardian.
  6. Alcohol or illegal drug use is strictly prohibited prior to and during match outings.
  7. The volunteer Big has no financial responsibilities towards the Little or the family.
  8. The guardian remains the disciplinarian.  If a problem arises with the school, police, at home, etc., the guardian, not the volunteer Big, is responsible for dealing with the situation.
  9. Forbidding the Little to see the volunteer Big as punishment is harmful to the match relationship and the program.
  10. The guardian is responsible for monitoring all match activities.
  11. The Little is responsible for being ready to go when the volunteer Big comes to pick them up for an outing.
  12. The Little is responsible for telling their guardian of any concerns, areas of discomfort, fears, dislikes, or confusion occurring between them and the volunteer Big.
  13. The guardian, Big, Little, and the Agency, must maintain contact with each other, share questions and concerns, and work toward problem resolutions in a cooperative way.  Staff is ready to answer questions, hear comments, serve as a resource to match activities, and otherwise act as a resource to the match.  When appropriate, referrals will be made at the guardian’s request to other agencies for assistance with specific needs.

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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