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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester and Putnam 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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Basic Information




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Contact Information



























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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
Weapons, Firearms, and Other Hazardous Materials: Program participants will be strictly
prohibited from the possession or use of legal or illegal firearms, firecrackers, explosives, toxic or hazardous chemicals, or other lethal weapons, equipment, or material during a mentoring session.

Any violation of this policy will result in the immediate suspension and/or termination of the
offending individual’s participation in the Program. In addition, BBBS may in its discretion
report any such violation to the appropriate legal authorities.



If you haven't lived anywhere else in the last 5 years, please list "NA"

If you haven't lived anywhere else please just put yesterday and today's date

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


Release of Information Authorization for Background Check

  • You will receive a personal email from Commercial Investigations. This is the company used by BBBS to process your Mandatory National Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Record.
Fingerprint Instructions

Below are instructions to schedule your fingerprint appointment free of charge. You must schedule an appointment prior to arrival as they are not able to accept “walk-in” appointments. Please bring a valid picture identification issued from a federal or state agency such as a driver’s license, military ID, state identification card, or passport.


Schedule Online


  1. Click or copy and paste this website: https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/156HYX into your browser
  2. Edit your information
  3. Use Agency ID: NYMOO135 (those are zeros in the middle are needed)

OR...

Schedule over the Phone
  1. Dial (877) 472-6915
  2. Service Code: 156HYX
  3. Agency ID:  NYM00135 (those are zero’s in the middle)
If you are unable to schedule your appointment for any reason, please notify us as soon as possible by calling 914-305-6849 to speak to Rikki Dee Childs.

Once your process is complete, you will receive 2 receipts. One copy is for your records and the other copy must be returned to BBBS.
Please feel free to call Rikki Dee Childs at 914-305-6849 with any questions.

Confidentiality 

As a volunteer Big Brother or Sister, I understand that personal information about the
Little I am matched with, and/or his/her family, should be held in confidence. I
understand that this confidentiality policy does not include my program manager or
other Big Brothers Big Sisters agency staff who I might speak with regarding any
circumstances of my match. Information that I share with people I know will be limited to
information about the types of activities that my Little and I do together and will
not reveal personal information that my Little shares with me. When speaking to people
I know about my Little, I will only use his/her first name and will not identify where my
Little lives.

Technology is a powerful tool that has become essential to our everyday lives but one that can
interfere with relationship building if not used responsibly. During match activities Big and Little agree to value their time together more than their devices and Big, Little, and Parent/Guardian agree to adhere to common practices of cell phone, email, and social media etiquette.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester recommends that Bigs do not communicate with their Littles via social media; however, if they choose to do so, there must be approval by the parent/guardian and BBBS.

  • Do not participate in any online communication with/about Littles unless approval is given by the parent/guardian and BBBS.  
  • Bigs must never post any pictures of Littles online unless they obtain consent from the Little’s parent/guardian.
  • Bigs must never post the last name of their Littles, their parents/guardians or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester staff.  
  • Bigs must never post any contact information for their Littles.  
  • Bigs must never post any identifying information about their Littles (i.e. child’s home address, school the child attends, where the parent works, etc).
Virtual Platform


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                                                                      

Match Support and Match Expectations:
  • Check in with your Program Manager within two weeks of the match meeting, and then monthly during the first year. Contact in subsequent years will be once every three months, after an annual evaluation has been conducted. Keep the agency, and each other, informed of any changes that may affect the match. Parents/Guardians and BBs/BSs are expected to use the services provided by the agency when problems or the need for support arises.
Your first match support contact is due 2 weeks from matching date.

  • You will be asked to complete an evaluation of the match relationship within the first three months of your match, and at each year anniversary. These evaluations will be done via phone with your Program Manager or in the office.
  • Get together with your LB/LS for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a month, for a commitment of no less than a year unless  otherwise agreed upon by the BB/BS, LB/LS, parent, and Program Manager.
  • Arrange your outings with your LB/LS and be sure to get them cleared with the parent/guardian in advance.
  • You may not include others in your match outings unless pre-approved with your program manager and the parent/guardian.
Transportation and Safety Awareness:
  • Volunteers in our program are required to have a car/reliable public transportation and coordinate transportation with parents. Parents can share the responsibility of transportation with the volunteer, though the volunteer is primarily responsible.
  • Use common sense in protecting your Little Brother or Sister from harm when you are together. Seatbelts/booster seats are required and younger children should sit in the back seat if the vehicle is equipped with a passenger airbag. Life vests should be worn when boating and helmets when biking. (NYS Seat belt/booster seat law has been provided).
Confidentiality:
  • As a volunteer Big Brother or Sister, I understand that personal information about the Little I am matched with, and/or his/her family, should be held in confidence. I understand that this confidentiality policy does not include my program manager or other Big Brothers Big Sisters agency staff who I might speak with regarding any circumstances of my match. Information that I share with people I know will be limited to information about the types of activities that my Little and I do together and will not reveal personal information that my Little shares with me. When speaking to people I know about my Little, I will only use his/her first name and will not identify where my Little lives.
Reporting Abuse and Neglect: 
  • I will contact my Program Manager immediately if my Little shares any information regarding abuse or neglect or if I suspect any abuse or neglect
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester’s confidentiality policy shall remain in full force and effect for the entire duration of my involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester and thereafter.
 Activities at Big's Home & Overnight Visit Policy:
  • No match activities are permitted in the BB/BSs home within the first six months of the match. At the sixth month mark, your BBBS Program Manager will discuss with you whether or not permission has been granted to bring your Little to your home for match activities after the sixth month mark. This is not mandatory and many Bigs choose not to do so. At the sixth month mark, all Bigs MUST speak to their BBBS program manager about granted permission for their Little to visit their home.
  • No overnight visits are permitted.
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester has a zero tolerance policy regarding failure to adhere to the Policy on Overnight Visits. Failure to follow this policy may result in immediate closure of the match.
Boundaries and Communication:
  •  Honest communication between the BB/BS and the parent regarding finances is essential! The emphasis should be on the relationship, not on the money spent on activities. It is recommended to plan activities that cost little or nothing. Gifts should be limited to a few times per year and should not be excessive.
  • If your Little Brother or Sister discusses problems at home or school, be supportive, but do not intercede. You are to be a friend to your Little Brother or Sister and should not assume a parental role. You should talk about concerns with your Program Manager.
  • You are responsible for your Little Brother or Sister when you are together. He or she should never be left alone with spouses, roommates or friends; nor should the Little Brother or Sister ever be driven by anyone other than the Big Brother or Big Sister. When dropping your Little Brother or Sister off at home, be sure an adult is there to meet you unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Unacceptable Behavior:
  • It is unacceptable to drink alcohol or use drugs prior to or during match activities. This includes spouses, housemates and any others who may have contact with your Little Brother or Sister. Doing so is grounds for match closure.
  • It is not appropriate for the volunteer and child to have any “secrets” from the parent or the agency program staff.
  • Dirty jokes, “bad language” or ‘X’ rated materials including TV, movies, magazines, Internet sites and photographs are unacceptable. If the child asks you questions about sex, talk to agency staff first regarding parent permission and preferences.
  • Spanking or hitting of any kind is unacceptable.
  • The volunteer needs to be sure to preserve the child’s privacy when changing for swimming or any other related activity.
  • Any physical contact that immobilizes or restricts the child’s movements is unacceptable.
  • Wrestling in a private setting or any kind of full body contact is unacceptable. Body massage or any contact with the child’s private zones, or any other action that could be construed to be sexual is unacceptable.
These behaviors are equally unacceptable between the child and any spouse, friend, or
family member of the volunteer. Inappropriate actions will be reported to Children’s
Protective Service, the police, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. We hope you
understand our need to take the responsibility for these issues seriously. Your cooperation is
greatly appreciated.

Updated Background Checks:
  • I agree to inform Big Brothers Big Sisters staff of any involvement that I have with law enforcement for the duration of the time that I am matched in the program (this includes speeding violations). I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters will run a background check on me every 3 years that I am matched in the program. Staff will use professional judgment on whether any accusations or charges warrant closure of the match.
Firearm Agreement:

I will inform agency staff if I or someone I live with acquires a firearm (or an additional firearm) throughout any point of my involvement with the agency, and I agree to abide by the firearm storage agreement.

As a volunteer Big Brother/Big Sister, I agree to keep all firearms/weapons that may be in my
home inaccessible to my Little. I will do this by assuring that the following precautions are
taken:
  • All firearms/weapons in my household will be unloaded, locked-up, and inaccessible to my Little.
  • All firearms in my household are registered when legally required.
  • Any bullets or ammunition in my household will be stored separately from the firearms/weapons and will be inaccessible to my Little.
  • I will not carry a weapon on me during any match activity with my Little (BBBS will consider waiving this for certain categories (i.e., police officer, military, etc.)
  • I realize that if there is a firearm/weapon in my household, even if I am not the owner, I am responsible for taking these safety measures throughout the duration of my match. I understand that my ownership of a firearm will be disclosed to Little’s parent or guardian in the match proposal call and will be monitored by my Program Manager in follow-up calls and reviewed at my annual anniversaries.

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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