Mentor Application- The Little Brotherhood

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. 

Mentor Application & Consent Forms

Please complete the application and consent forms. This application takes about 20 minutes to complete. After each page, hit "next" until you see a submit button. You can save your application at any time. When you click the link, the application will pick up where you left off. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mentoring@bigsri.org 401-921-2434.

The Little Brotherhood
The Little Brotherhood is a group mentoring program designed for boys, typically ages 8–14, who are currently waiting to be matched with a one-to-one Mentor. The program brings youth together monthly in a supportive, structured setting where they engage in hands-on activities and discussions focused on building confidence, communication, teamwork, and positive decision-making skills. Sessions are led by BBBSRI staff and often include community partners and volunteer mentors who serve as positive male role models. Little Brotherhood provides an opportunity for youth to begin building meaningful connections, strengthen social-emotional skills, and experience the impact of mentorship while they await a long-term match.
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References and Background Check

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Volunteer Experience
Big Brothers Big Sisters requires references from all youth serving organizations at which you have worked or volunteered in the past 5 years. Please complete the below information if applicable.












I consent to and understand that:
  1. The references and youth-serving organization(s) I listed will be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in person;
  2. The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, including 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;
  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. As part of the enrollment process, I may be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an in-person interview.
  6. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law.  
  7. I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to the proper authorities.
  8. 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)
  9. I agree to complete surveys throughout my time in the program to evaluate and improve program services;
  10. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required by the agency.

Confidentiality Policy

Access to Confidential Records

In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island to serve our clients in a responsible way, we must ask mentors, mentees and parents/guardians a series of questions, many of which are personal in nature.  The agency respects the confidentiality of this information and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares it only among the agency professional staff. The right to confidentiality applies not only to written records, but to video, film, pictures or use of names in agency publications.


Records are considered the property of the agency. Information from outside sources, including confidential references, must be evaluated along with information gained from the clients or volunteers themselves.


Limits of Confidentiality

 

Information will only be released to other individuals or organizations if an "Authorization for Release Information” form has been signed by the mentor or parent/guardian.

Names and photos of mentors and mentees (first name only) may be used in agency publications or promotional materials only if a media release form has been signed.


For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, certain outside entities, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, may have access to records through our national database.  Outside parties are required to respect confidentiality and may only use information for the purposes stated in the approval action of the Board of Directors.


Information will not be provided to law enforcement officials, legal counsel or the courts without a valid and enforceable subpoena.


Rhode Island State law mandates that suspected child abuse or neglect be reported to the Department for Children, Youth & Families.  All Program Staff are required to comply with mandated procedures.


If any agency staff receives information indicating that a mentor or mentee may be dangerous to himself or herself or to others, necessary steps will be taken to protect the party at risk.  This may include a medical referral or a report to the local law enforcement authorities.


Firearms/Weapons Policy

We ask that you read carefully both the RI Firearms/Weapons law and the following policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island regarding weapons. It is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island that any Volunteer or a family member who owns a firearm/weapon or has one present in the home agrees:
  1. To inform the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island program of the ownership or presence of a firearm/weapon in the household. This would include the presence of a firearm/weapon at any time while involved in the program.
  2. To be certain that the firearms/weapons are inaccessible to a child and that ammunition is securely locked.
  3. To understand that the agency staff will make the parent/guardian or volunteer aware of the ownership or presence of a firearm/weapon in the home.

We ask that all of our mentors agree to this waiver before beginning their enrollment. 

I agree that I will NOT be taking my Mentee to my place of residence for visits until after being matched for 3 months, with BBBS of Rhode Island approval, and a completed in-person home assessment.

This means that at no time prior to BBBS approval, will I bring my Mentee to my place of residence for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Stopping at the home to pick something up
  • Visiting the home to spend time inside
  • Visiting the home to spend time outside

I grant irrevocable and unrestricted right, authority, and license to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI) to: 

  • Interview, discuss, and/or record me whether by video, audio, photographic, print, digital, internet, or other media (“Recordings”) and use and/or feature any and all such Recordings;
  • Use and/or feature any and all video, audio, photographic, print, digital, internet, or other media which I provide to BBBSRI or post or disseminate publically (“Media”); and
  • Use, feature, and/or identify my name, image, likeness, and/or voice consistent with the mission of BBBSRI including, but not limited to, in relation to advertising, marketing, fundraising, promotional, and educational purposes.

I further release BBBSRI from any and all claims and liability, and waive the same, arising out of the rights, authority, and licenses granted herein.


BBBSRI will use any such rights, authority, and licenses granted herein to support, advance, and promote the mission of BBBSRI. Should I desire to restrict the rights, authority, and licenses granted herein, I agree and understand that I must make a specific request in writing to the CEO of BBBSRI. I agree and understand that BBBSRI is under no obligation to agree or respond to my request.  I agree and understand that BBBSRI must affirmatively agree in writing to any restriction of the rights, authority, and licenses granted herein.




Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI's mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.  Participation in our program is voluntary.  However, it is expected that all participants are able and willing to commit to our Program, at least for a period of 18 months. 


Risks

Before giving your consent to participate in our program, it is important that you are informed of possible risks:

  • Participants understand that they may be matched to a Mentee within weeks, or it may take months, dependent on the pool of Mentees available and expressed personal preferences.
  • Participants understand that a multilevel background check, DCYF CANTS clearance, and social media check will be completed prior to acceptance in the program and every 3 years while enrolled as a Mentor.
  • Participants understand that they may complete the enrollment process and then be denied without reason.
  • Participants understand that after being matched, a Mentee may withdraw and close the match at any time.

Social Media Policy


Program staff are prohibited from engaging in personal and virtual relationships via social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, etc.), with Program participants (Mentors, Mentees, & families). Additionally, Mentors and Mentees/families are prohibited from engaging in a virtual relationship via social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc.) between each other.


Records


Legally and ethically, we are required to keep records of all our interactions with participants. Records are considered the property of BBBSRI. Participants’ personal records are stored on a national secured database and only authorized staff have access to those records.  Legally, participants have right to see all information generated between us. Participants must provide explicit permission for information to be revealed, unless the law specifies otherwise (see exceptions to confidentiality).  Thus, with your written consent, we will provide information to anyone with legitimate need. Participants are also entitled to a copy of any records generated by BBBSRI.  BBBSRI keeps records for 7 years past the date of the last contact.  Then, because of space and privacy concerns, records are destroyed in compliance with state law and professional ethics. 


YOU HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS AS A CLIENT/PARTICIPANT OR AS A PERSON REQUESTING SERVICES FROM BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF RHODE ISLAND (BBBSRI).


You have the following rights:

  • To be informed of your rights during orientation/enrollment, whenever BBBSRI makes a change in the rights of persons served, and upon your verbal or written request.
  • To be encouraged and assisted throughout services to exercise your rights and to voice opinions and recommendations about services and policies offered by BBBSRI without fear of discrimination, restraint, interference or recrimination.
  • To receive services in a language and manner you can understand.
  • To be informed, verbally and/or in writing, of what is expected of you as a client.
  • To receive assistance in resolving issues and assistance in accessing alternative services.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SERVICE PROVIDED WITH RESPECT, DIGNITY, AND PRIVACY:
  • To receive services that are considerate and respectful of your values and beliefs.
  • To privacy, security and confidentiality of information, as specified by all Federal and State laws and BBBSRI policy.
  • To receive services in an environment free of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, financial exploitation, threats, and/or any human rights violation, as well as to be protected from any and all forms of coercion.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF AND PARTICIPATE SERVICE DECISIONS:

  • To be informed of the policies, changes and addendums, regarding informed consent to participate in the agency’s services.
  • To be informed about what to expect during the program and/or service process.
  • To be informed about, and to participate in, decisions regarding services and to receive, at minimum, the information to facilitate informed decision-making, unless there are limits on confidentiality
  • To terminate services/program participation at any time.

YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CLIENT/PARTICIPANT OF BBBSRI:

  • To provide accurate information about yourself that is relevant to your participation in the program.
  • To be familiar with your rights and responsibilities.
  • To attend and participate in all appointments (interview/ match support), in person or virtually, or give adequate prior notice of cancellation.
  • To speak and engage with my Match Support Specialist as often as required and will return phone calls within 24-48 hours.
  • To comply with the rules of the specific program to which you are assigned (outlined in the match agreement).
  • To treat other participants and staff respectfully.
  • To respect the privacy of other participants.
  • To act as an ambassador of BBBSRI programs and to represent yourself and the agency if a positive manner.
  • A copy of Client Rights and Responsibilities is provided to you when you begin receiving services. A copy may also be obtained by emailing  mentoring@bigsri.org. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI (BBBSRI) adopts this Code of Conduct to define acceptable standards of behavior for Parents/Guardians, Mentees, and Littles (participants) and to provide a procedure for action whenever there are grounds to end services because participants have engaged in disruptive and/or unacceptable behavior.


It is expected that all participants will:


Clients/Participants will:

  • Treat staff, Mentees, families, volunteers and other participants with respect & honesty. 
  • Refrain from discriminatory comments or actions in regards to sexism, racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and any other behavior that is derogatory to a marginalized person(s) in our community.
  • Inform staff of needs and changes in circumstances in order to receive relevant services.
  • Understand that BBBSRI works with many individuals with many levels of needs, and staff may need to prioritize their time to deal with emergency or high need situations.
  • Maintain confidentiality of other clients, volunteers and staff.
  • Understand that BBBSRI and its staff has limitations in regards to the services they provide.
  • Realize that access to services may have limits and eligibility does not automatically ensure services.
  • Deal with problems and concerns in a mature manner according to BBBSRI Policies and Procedures.

Refusal of Services:

  • Participants have a responsibility to be respectful and considerate of other participants, and staff at BBBSRI. The decision to refuse, suspend or terminate service is made by the the Leadership Team. Wherever possible, if a participant is refused service, that service user is provided with a list of other community resources. 

Reasons for refusal, suspension or termination of services:

  • When the BBBSRI's leadership and staff agree that a client/participant has violated the above Code of Conduct.
  • When a participant does not adhere or violates Program policies and procedures.
  • When a participant is or is perceived to be threatening, harmful, or inappropriate to fellow participants or staff.
  • When a participant behaves violently in any real or perceived manner.
  • When a participant is or is perceived to be threatening or obscene in interaction with staff or other participants.

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.

I understand to provide timely, high-quality customer service, BBBSRI utilizes AI and automated tools to assist professional staff in managing data and communications. All final determinations regarding participant eligibility, suitability, and matching are made solely by trained agency professionals.

I understand that once my application is complete, BBBSRI will provide the Little Brotherhood Volunteer Handbook. I understand that I am required to read and review this handbook.

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.  

My signature below certifies that I have read and agree to all policies and consents listed in this application. 




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