Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest Volunteer Mentor Application

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Welcome!
We're excited to get to know you. The application takes 15-30 minutes to complete. You may save your progress and return later by clicking the box above. You will be automatically routed back to your Volunteer Enrollment Portal and sent an email once your application has been completed. If this does not happen, your application has not been submitted. 

If you have any questions or needs in completing this online application, don't hesitate to reach out to Amelia. You can reach her at (971) 327-3044 and Amelia.Spatz@bbbsnorthwest.org.

Application Contents:
  • Page 1: Volunteer information
  • Page 2: References & Prior youth-serving experiences
  • Pages 3-6: Enrollment forms to review and acknowledge
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Volunteer Information


















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You do not have to have a driver's license to be a Big! However, we do need some form of government-issued, unexpired photo ID to complete your application.




File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture




File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture
Contact Information




Big Brothers Big Sisters uses text communication to connect with volunteers about their participation in our program (we will not text you about marketing or fundraising opportunities). Before texting with Big Brothers Big Sisters you will be asked to provide consent for text communication, which you can accept or decline.
















Employment












Additional Information





References
Please provide at least three references below including:
  • Your spouse or significant other 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 student
  • A friend or neighbor you have known for at least two years
We will not contact your references until after your enrollment interview is complete.
















Minimum 1 year








Minimum 2 years
Information Needed for Background Check









Please provide the name, birthdate, and relationship to you for anyone else residing in your home. We complete a publicly available sex offender registry search for any other adults living in the home. We do not contact other adults in the home unless they are listed as a reference.



Previous Experience











Volunteer Experience










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.
Drug and Alcohol Agreement
I have requested and applied to serve as a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big
Sisters Columbia Northwest (“BBBSCNW”). I understand that the agency’s policy prohibits the use of illegal drugs and alcohol during all agency-sponsored activities and that my failure to comply with this policy constitutes grounds for suspension or termination from the program.

Therefore, I agree as follows:
  1. I will not use or be under the influence of illegal drugs/legalized controlled substances, or alcohol during all sponsored activities involving youths that are involved with BBBSCNW (collectively, the "Littles"), including, without limitation, all one-to-one interaction between a Little and a volunteer mentor, match activities and group activities;
  2. I will not be under the influence of illegal drugs/legalized controlled substances or alcohol during all BBBSCNW sponsored activities where Littles are present, including, without limitation, all one-to-one activities between a Little and a volunteer mentor, match activities and group activities;
  3. I will not allow any of the youths with whom I am involved through the program to use any illegal drugs/legalized controlled substances or alcohol while in my care. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless BBBSCNW and its employees, volunteers and affiliates for any damages, injury, cost or expense that result from my failure to comply with this Agreement or the above stated policy of BBBSCNW.
BY CHECKING THE BOX BELOW, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL PRINTED ABOVE.

ANY AGREEMENTS OR PROMISES MADE HEREIN ARE MADE IN EXCHANGE FOR, AND IN RECOGNITION OF, VALUABLE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FROM BBBSCNW, INCLUDING THE SERVICES PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MENTORING PROGRAM REFERENCED ABOVE.


Promotional Activities


Weapons Agreement & Release
I have requested and applied to serve as a volunteer mentor with BBBSCNW. I understand and acknowledge that it is my responsibility to provide a safe environment for the youths with whom I come into contact through BBBSCNW (the "Littles"). 

In fulfilling the responsibility described above, I agree to safely store and lock any and all Dangerous Weapons (as defined in this paragraph below) in such a manner as to prevent any Littles from coming into contact with, or being able to access, such Dangerous Weapons. I further agree to store any ammunition, bullets, cartridges, or the like that may be used with any Dangerous Weapons in a secure storage space that is separate from the space containing any Dangerous Weapons that is inaccessible by the Little. For purposes of this Agreement, "Dangerous Weapons" shall be defined broadly to include, without limitation, all firearms, handguns, rifles, and knives (other than knives that are commonly used as dining utensils).

I accept responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any Dangerous Weapons that I may own or possess, or that others in my home own or possess. Accordingly, I hereby release BBBSCNW and its employees, volunteers, and affiliates from any claim or liability that arises out of the use or misuse of a Dangerous Weapon that I or anyone else in my home own or possess, and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless BBBSCNW and its employees, volunteers, and affiliates from and against any expenses, damages, or loss that arises out of any injury that occurs as a result of the use of a Dangerous Weapon that I own or possess.

If I have answered "NO ONE..." above, I declare to BBBSCNW that neither I nor any others in my home own or possess any Dangerous Weapons as defined above; however, I agree to notify BBBSCNW immediately if I or someone in my home acquire, or otherwise come into possession of, a Dangerous Weapon.

BY SIGNING BELOW, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL PRINTED ABOVE. ANY AGREEMENTS OR PROMISES MADE HEREIN ARE MADE IN EXCHANGE FOR, AND IN RECOGNITION OF, VALUABLE CONSIDERATION RECEIVED FROM BBBSCNW, INCLUDING THE SERVICES PROVIDED IN CONNECTION
WITH THE MENTORING PROGRAM REFERENCED ABOVE.

Consent for Virtual Platforms
Our goal at Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest (BBBSCNW) is to foster and protect the potential of youth in our program through impactful mentoring and activities. We love it when our matches can meet in person, but recognize maintaining meaningful connections sometimes requires the flexibility to meet through virtual means.

As you are aware, there are potential dangers associated with internet-based communications. These dangers exist in many settings; however, we believe the benefits of virtual communications and virtual match activities in our Program outweigh the potential risks and we are taking appropriate precautions.

As a Volunteer/Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters:
  • I understand that any audio/video communication may involve two-way camera and audio usage. I will do my best to minimize any distractions during the virtual meetings and activities.
  • I am aware that the parent/guardian of my mentee will be monitoring my online communication with their child.
  • I agree to be mindful about what home activities would potentially be heard/seen by a child or their family during virtual meetings.
  • I will ensure that I am dressed appropriately when using virtual meeting platforms and make sure that there are no distracting materials or backgrounds.
  • I understand that mentors, youth and parents/guardians may not take photos, screenshots, or record video or audio from these sessions without the other parties knowledge or consent.
  • I will maintain the confidentiality of my mentee and their family.
  • I will not share the usernames or account names or online platforms used by my Little and/or their family.
  • I will maintain the confidentiality of other youth, my mentee and I participate in a group mentoring session or group match activity.
  • I understand that BBBSCNW will not record any sessions when youth aged 12 years of age and under are present but may take photos to share on social media or with partners.
  • I understand that BBBSCNW may record sessions only when youth 13 years of age and over are present to share on social media or with partners.
  • I acknowledge and agree that if any documents and agreements completed as part of this process are executed by electronic signature, any such electronic signature shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.

Volunteer Rights & Responsibilities
Please review the following policies below. Checking the buttons below is the equivalent of providing your initials in understanding and agreement to each item.









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.  

Eligibility Disclaimer
You will automatically be determined to be ineligible for our program if you have ever been accused of, charged, or convicted of any form of child abuse. You may also be determined ineligible for our program based on information resulting from background checks, including criminal background check, driving record check, and other record checks where required by local, state or federal law for volunteers working with youth.

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