BBBS Broward Volunteer Application

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. 

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Contact Information
Employer Information
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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 employer or co-worker you have known for at least one year or someone from your school if you are a full-time student
  • A friend or neighbor you have known for at least three years
Spousal/Familial Reference
Professional Reference
Minimum 1 year
Personal Reference
Minimum 2 years
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, 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;

I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services;

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; 

Other BBBS 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.  

I am not a member of the organization until I receive an acceptance letter, which if accepted, such acceptance letter would indicate my effective date of membership.  Once accepted, the agency may give my phone number to other accepted agency volunteers for the agency activity and other agency business.  I also understand that while records are kept according to Big Brothers Big Sisters confidentiality policy, it may be necessary to share information contained in my file with funding agencies.

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.

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.  
Agency Weapons Policy

Volunteers owning firearms and/or weapons (including hunting knives, swords, explosives, etc.) must comply with the following: ownership of any firearm/weapon must be disclosed by volunteers to agency staff at enrollment and throughout the life of the match. 

Staff must disclose this information to the parent/guardian. 


     Volunteers must attest to the fact that any weapons, firearms, or ammunition ownership are licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Volunteers must agree in writing (Volunteer Expectations Form) that weapons, firearms, and ammunition will be locked, unloaded, separated (guns & ammunition stored separately), hidden, and always made inaccessible to a child in their care. (Activities such as firearm or hunting safety courses are permissible when approved by the parent and volunteer Big, and approval is documented in the match file.) 


     Agency volunteers that are required by their employer to carry a weapon will be required to discuss safety precautions with the parent and assigned BBBS Match Support Specialist.

Please list any counties and states that you have lived in aside from your current address in the last five years.  (Please note to be enrolled as s Big in Broward County you will need to have resided in the county for a minimum of six months).

Release of Information Authorization for Background Check

The agency requires a criminal history record check for volunteer Bigs, Board Members,

Agency Staff, and non-mentoring volunteers who come into meaningful contact with

children.

Child Safety Guidelines and Ground Rules for Volunteers                                                                      

With over 100 years of mentoring experience the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America along with its affiliates has created policies, procedures, and overall support systems to allow for positive, healthy and safe mentor match relationships to be created.  As a volunteer mentor applicant it is important for you to be informed and receive explanation of the ground rules held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, Inc., referred to as the ‘Agency’ for the remainder of this document.   Upon completion of the document review you should have a clear understanding of essential guidelines for our local mentoring program.  Please read each statement below and initial on the line as acknowledgement of your understanding and agreement to abide by the ground rules below.

 

I understand as a volunteer mentor that I am not guaranteed to receive a mentor match and that if the Agency cannot identify a youth mentee that will provide a positive, strong and enduring mentor relationship to pair me with that my file could be closed.


I understand as a volunteer mentor that I agree to remain in regular contact with my Agency case manager(s) and if I do not return calls, emails or in-person meeting requests that my involvement may be terminated by the Agency.


I understand as a volunteer mentor that the Agency makes regular updates to policies, procedures and ground rules and that I may be asked to review and agree to updates throughout my involvement with the Agency.


I understand that if paired with a mentee the Agency will set the appropriate boundaries for my mentor match and I agree to openly listen, follow suggestions, and be a willing participant in coaching from my Agency case manager(s)


I understand that if paired with a mentee I will be asked to choose & participate in activities with my mentee that directly relate to mentor match goals developed with the Agency case manager(s), Guardian and mentee.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree to follow instructions regarding mentor match outings as per to the number of outings within a month provided by my Agency case manager(s).  


I also understand that the typical mentor match outing schedule is two times a month with outings lasting no more than 4 hours.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I must schedule match outings with the parent/guardian.  I agree to not schedule outings directly with my mentee as to avoid any confusion, miscommunication and to insure parental/guardian approval of activities has been obtained.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree not to bring other individuals on my mentor match outings without pre-approval from the Agency and the pre-approval of the guardian of my mentee. Any individuals who attend a mentor match outing, if approved, still do not fall under the liability insurance of the Agency and will need to be informed of this prior to involvement.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree to not bring my mentee to my home for the first three months of my mentor match and that I cannot bring my mentee to my home after the three month waiting period without pre-approval of the Agency and the guardian of my mentee.  I also understand that I may not be approved to bring my mentee to my home as activities for the Agency program are meant to be in the community as a whole.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree to not purchase items for my mentee without pre-approval from the Agency.  I understand that gift giving is not recommended as a whole by the Agency and that if my mentee or mentee’s family has needs for material necessities that it is my responsibility to inform the Agency to provide referrals.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree to be a trusted adult friend, a positive role model and a nurturer of possibilities.  I understand that to hold these three characteristics that I agree to not do harm to my mentee in any manner, to be proactive in problem solving issues, to remain committed to the match relationship and to be responsible in my actions towards my mentee at all times.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree to contact my Agency case manager(s) with any concerns, match obstacles, changes, or updates in a proactive manner.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I may be asked to participate in training opportunities and am open to do so.  I will share with my Agency case manager(s) what type of training is best suited for me at any given time (in-person, on-line, phone conference etc.)


I understand if paired with a mentee that I am responsible for maintaining their personal and family confidentiality and will need to abide by Agency guidance when utilizing social media accounts in regards to my mentee, mentee’s family and my volunteer mentor involvement with the Agency.  I understand that the Agency may ask me to remove posts or change privacy of a social media post if it involves my mentee, mentee’s family or my volunteer mentor involvement with the Agency.


I understand that agency staff and I will hold my Littles disclosures related to my Little’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation confidential if my Little does not want that information shared with their parent guardian.  Agency staff and I will encourage my Little to find a safe and supported way to share this information with their parent guardian when they are ready to do so.


I understand if paired with a mentee that I agree not to consume alcohol or any other substance that could alter my mental/physical abilities prior or during mentor match outings. 


I understand that if paired with a mentee that I agree to drive responsibly and abide by all driving laws when transporting my mentee inclusive, but not limited to maintaining active car insurance, wearing safety belts, adhering to speed limits


I understand that if paired with a mentee that I agree to not show and/or view movies, TV shows, online videos, magazines or other materials that include explicit sexual content at any time with my mentee.  I agree to discuss any movies, shows or online content with my Agency case manager(s) prior to engaging with my mentee if it is PG-13 or greater. 


I understand that if paired with a mentee that I agree to abide by state and federal safety laws when engaging in activities with my mentee.  This is inclusive, but not limited to water/boating activities, sporting/martial arts activities, and other activities that could result in injury.  I agree to consult with my Agency case manager(s) if I am unsure of what state or federal laws may require for an activity I wish to engage in with my mentee.


I understand that if paired with a mentee that I agree to abide by the Agency’s overnight and out of town policy and insure to receive approval by my Agency case manager(s) before discussing an activity of this manner with my mentee.  I understand that I am not expected or encouraged to have overnight or out of town trips with my mentee and that I may never be approved to do so as approval is at the discretion of the Agency.


I understand if paired with a mentee I agree to use common sense when choosing match activities as my behavior must be within the parameters of acceptable community standards.  I agree to not engage in any activity that may have negative or questionable effect on my mentee without prior consultation with my Agency case manager(s).


I have had the opportunity to discuss the above ground rules with an Agency representative.  I understand that if I were to violate any ground rules listed above and/or omit details in match activities that may be a violation of the above ground rules that my involvement with the Agency can be terminated.  Furthermore, I am aware by this written statement that the Agency documents all interactions & communications in an internal database that is shared with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America therefore if I do violate any ground rules it will be viewable by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.


The Agency has taken steps to inform both parent/guardian and mentee concerning the above issues.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding our expectations and requirements, please speak with the Agency case manager(s) immediately.

Release and Waiver of Liability

 

PLEASE REVIEW THIS DOCUMENT COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY.  It includes a release of liability and waiver of legal rights on behalf of yourself, including a waiver of the right to sue certain parties.

 

 

Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for BBBS and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer for BBBS (the “Activities”).  Volunteer understands that the Activities may include but are not limited to participation in any and all BBBS programs and events, whether organized or sponsored by BBBS or a third-party, being matched with and acting as a mentor to a Little Brother/Sister, spending alone time with a Little Brother/Sister and transporting a Little Brother/Sister in Volunteer’s personal vehicle. Volunteer understands that this is not an exclusive list of covered Activities and that the Activities covered by this Release include water activities, physical activities and events that are inherently dangerous or carry risks of injury or death to person or property. Volunteer understands that his/her participation in the Activities, and acting as a volunteer for BBBS, is voluntary and it is the Volunteer’s responsibility to take proper precautions to minimize the risk of injury to herself/himself and others.


Therefore, for good and valuable consideration, including the right to participate in the Activities and act as a volunteer for BBBS, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:


Release and Waiver.  Volunteer does hereby irrevocably and unconditionally release, discharge, hold harmless, indemnify, and covenant not to sue BBBS, its employees, directors, members, board members, sponsors, partners, volunteers, agents and/or the minor child assigned as Volunteer’s Little Sister/Brother and his/her parents or legal guardian (collectively, the “Released Parties”) of and from any and all liabilities, injuries, illness, disability, death, losses, claims, damages, demands, rights of action or causes of action, including those arising out of or related to potential exposure to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, present or future, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, arising out of or in any manner resulting from the Volunteer’s presence at or participation in any BBBS program and/or event and/or the Activities, including events and physical activities that are inherently dangerous or carry risks of injury or death to person or property, as well as outings with the Volunteer’s Little Brother/Sister (as applicable) including without limitation driving the Volunteer’s Little Brother/Sister to/from BBBS Activities, programs and events, whether caused in whole or in part by the negligence, acts, omissions, carelessness, or other conduct of the Released Parties (collectively, “Claims”). This Release shall be binding upon the Volunteer’ heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. 

VOLUNTEER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS RELEASE DISCHARGES THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIM THAT THE VOLUNTEER MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASED PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY BODILY INJURY, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM VOLUNTEER’S ACTIVITIES WITH BBBS, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF BBBS OR ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS OR OTHERWISE.  VOLUNTEER ALSO UNDERSTANDS THAT BBBS DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR OR OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR OTHER ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEDICAL, HEALTH, OR DISABILITY INSURANCE IN THE EVENT OF INJURY OR ILLNESS.


Assumption of the Risk.  Volunteer understands even with adherence to reasonable safety practices, there exists a risk of injury to those who participate in the Activities or in any BBBS program or event.  Volunteer acknowledges that such injuries could be catastrophic, including paralysis and death. Volunteer understands that some of these risks are outlined herein, but there may be other, unknown risks that are an inevitable part of participating in BBBS programs and/or events and/or the Activities. Volunteer understands that he/she will likely be providing transportation to Volunteer’s assigned Little Sister/Brother in connection with acting as a volunteer for BBBS and that such transportation also carries inherent risks that Volunteer assumes. Volunteer further understands that he/she should not participate in any BBBS program or event or in the Activities unless Volunteer is physically and medically able to do so and agrees and acknowledges that it is Volunteer’s sole responsibility to determine his/her physical fitness and ability to engage in the Activities or in any BBBS program and/or event. Volunteer understand that it is his/her responsibility to consult with his/her physician concerning any injury, illness, or medical condition that arises during the course of any BBBS program or event or participation in the Activities and after Volunteer executes this Release. Further, Volunteer acknowledges the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assumes the risk that he/she may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by attending and participating in BBBS programs or events or in the Activities and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, disability, and death. Volunteer understands that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at a BBBS program or event may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of his/herself and others, including, but not limited to, the Released Parties and program participants and their families. Volunteer knowingly, freely and voluntarily accepts and agrees to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any claims that Volunteer may experience or incur in connection with his/her attendance at or participation in the Activities or any BBBS program or event.


Volunteer’s access to, use of, or participation in the Activities or any BBBS program or event is completely voluntary, and the Volunteer, on behalf of him/herself assumes all risk associated therewith, whether the risks are foreseeable or not foreseeable. IN EXCHANGE FOR BBBS ALLOWING VOLUNTEER TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY PROGRAM, ACTIVITY, OR EVENT ASSOCIATED WITH BBBS, VOLUNTEER AGREES THAT HE/SHE WAIVES AND FOREVER RELEASES THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS. IN OTHER WORDS, VOLUNTEER ASSUMES ALL THE RISKS AND ALL THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS/HER OWN WELL¬BEING. This Assumption of Risk shall be binding upon Volunteer’s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.

Insurance.  Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by BBBS in writing, BBBS does not carry or maintain health, medical, vehicle or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer.  Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage and is expected to have all vehicle insurance coverage as required by law.

Treatment. Volunteer understands and agrees that he/she will be responsible for the care and treatment of him/herself in the event the Volunteer sustains an injury during or as a result of the Volunteer’s participation in any BBBS program or event or Activity.  Volunteer hereby acknowledges and understands that neither BBBS nor any other Released Party has any obligation or duty to provide medical treatment for the Volunteer in case of injury. Notwithstanding such absence of duty, Volunteer hereby gives consent to the Released Parties to seek, obtain, and provide emergency medical treatment for the Volunteer in case of injury that occurs while participating in a BBBS program or event or Activity. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve life, limb, or wellbeing of the Volunteer. Volunteer understands that such treatment will be sought and provided if, in the sole opinion of the Released Parties, medical attention is prudent or needed and Volunteer hereby agrees to pay all costs associated with such medical care. 

Disclaimer of Warranties. THE RELEASED PARTIES MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT ANY BBBS PROGRAM OR EVENT OR ACTIVITY WILL BE SAFE, SECURE OR ERROR FREE AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. 

Legal Authority. Volunteer hereby represents and warrants that he/she is at least 18 years of age and of sound mind and body, and is legally capable of giving this Release. By signing below, Volunteer acknowledges that he/she FULLY UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES to the terms of this Release and that this Release will apply to Volunteer’s heirs, personal representatives, and assigns.

Applicable Law; Consent to Jurisdiction and Venue. Volunteer hereby agrees that the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof, will apply to any and all disputes or claims relating in any way to this Release and Volunteer’s participation in any BBBS program or event or Activity.  Volunteer agrees that the exclusive jurisdiction for such disputes and claims shall lie exclusively in Broward County, Florida and agrees and expressly consents to the exercise of personal jurisdiction in such courts over Volunteer. 

Jury Trial Waiver. VOLUNTEER EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS RELEASE OR VOLUNTEER’S PARTICIPTATION IN ANY BBBS PROGRAM OR EVENT OR ACTIVITY.

Severability. Volunteer understands that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Florida and agrees that if any portion of this Release is invalid, the remainder will continue in full legal force and effect.

VOLUNTEER HEREBY AFFIRMS THAT VOLUNTEER HAS READ THIS RELEASE, AND THAT VOLUNTEER FULLY UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS. VOLUNTEER FURTHER AFFIRMS HIS/HER UNDERSTANDING THAT, BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, VOLUNTEER IS GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE. VOLUNTEER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT VOLUNTEER IS ASSENTING TO THIS RELEASE FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND THAT BY SIGNING VOLUNTEER INTENDS TO BE BOUND BY THIS RELEASE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

This Release and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) executed on this ____ day of ___________, 20____, is by                                                   (the “Volunteer”) in favor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (“BBBS”), a Florida nonprofit corporation.

 

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.  

Contact Information