BBBS 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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What is a Big?
A Big is an adult volunteer, above the age of 21, who meets one-on-one with a child in their community to serve as a friend and positive role model.

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





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



I Consent and Understand that:

1)      The references and youth serving-organization 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, 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. 

a.      I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to proper authorities;

b.      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);

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 questionnaires 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.


We realize that many of our volunteers are active on social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.  It is very important to keep child safety and confidentiality issues in mind when communicating on social media sites.

 

1.   Safety of littles is our number one priority.

Please refrain from providing identifying information about your little. Also, never share the location of a little on social media channels.  For example, “My little and I are having a great time at the zoo right now.”  Specifying the location could jeopardize their safety.  A better option would be to delay the message until after the activity: “I had a great time with my little at the zoo today.

 

2.   A parental release form is required for photos.

In order to release pictures or information about littles on websites, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region needs to obtain a parental consent form (part of application packet).  If the parent of the little does not sign this form, the big should not divulge any personal information, including the little’s first name, and city/state of where they live. Please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters before posting any information about your little in order to verify their parents have consented to release that information. Please check with a match specialist to see if a little has assigned release form.

 

3.   Big Brothers Big Sisters has the right to monitor the social media activity of our bigs.

If you are seen using social media inappropriately, your relationship with our organization could be terminated. As a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and ultimately a representative of our organization, we want you to keep these guidelines in mind when engaging on social media.

 

1.   You are responsible for your actions and communications.  Please exercise sound judgment when using social media channels.

Anything you post that could potentially tarnish the organization’s image or have a negative impact on our organization is your responsibility. When in doubt about whether something is appropriate to post, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting. As a big, you are a representative of Big Brothers Big Sisters and should reflect this through all of your social media messages and content, even if Big Brothers Big Sisters isn’t directly connected to the message.  Also, be careful of questionable messaging on T-shirts, etc., in pictures. You are serving as a role model for your little and for the community.

 

2.   Online privacy does not exist.

Do not assume that things you publish on a private personal profile cannot be accessed.  No matter what settings are applied to your social networking sites, all it takes for is for someone to copy and paste that information on to a public site.  As a general rule of thumb, do not post content that you would not want to see in the newspaper.

 

3.   We recommend that you DO NOT engage or interact with your little through social media channels. If you decide to, you must follow these guidelines:

a.    Do not post pictures of your little (unless previously approved by their parent with written documentation through Big Brothers Big Sisters).

b.    Do not post your little’s full name, location, city, address, school or other personal information.

 

4.   We strongly urge you to keep your profile set to private and closely monitor friend requests and followers on social media.

The people who you associate with on social media are a direct reflection of you. Please be aware that as a volunteer, your interactions with others reflect on our organization.


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 and well-being is our number one priority.  Everyone associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBS) plays a role in helping keep children safe.

 

The following guidelines will help you develop a healthy match relationship with your Little.  These guidelines will also help children understand appropriate boundaries and build personal safety skills, while allowing them to recognize and trust the caring adults in their lives.

 

1. I will show respect at all times for my Little and his or her family and never come between a parent or guardian (P/G) and his or her child.

 

2. I will maintain regular contact with BBBS support staff by promptly responding to calls, letters and emails.  I will also complete evaluation, surveys, and match support in a timely manner, as requested by BBBS staff.

 

3. If any of my contact information changes, I will notify BBBS immediately.

 

4. I understand that if a problem arises in my match relationship or with my Little’s P/G, I will contact BBBS support staff immediately.

 

5. I agree to notify BBBS of situations that arise in my life that may affect my match, including, not limited to serious illness, change in marital/family/parenting status, contact with law enforcement, etc.

 

6. I agree to abstain from any use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs before seeing and while in the presence of my little.

 

7. I will maintain open communication at all times and never ask my Little to keep a secret.

 

8. I will respect the personal space of my Little and avoid inappropriate physical contact (e.g. backrubs, sitting in laps, wrestling, tickling, etc.).

 

9. I will never use corporal punishment with my Little or any means of verbally and/or emotionally abusive means of discipline or redirection.

 

10. I will never display or discuss any materials of a sexual nature with my Little.

 

11. I will never leave my Little unattended or alone with any other person.

 

12. I understand the importance of properly ending a match relationship.  Therefore, I will actively participate in the closure procedure as requested by BBBS staff.

 

13. I accept complete responsibility for my actions as a volunteer with BBBS.  I agree to hold BBBS and all the members, agents, representatives and employees of that organization harmless and free from liability for my actions as a volunteer in the BBBS Program.

 

14. I understand that spending consistent one-to-one time with my Little is one of the most important things I can do as a volunteer.  Therefore, I will meet with my Little for at least one (1) year.


15. I will inform the parent of all match activity plans and obtain their prior approval.

 

16. I will not engage in activities that pose a risk of injury (e.g. speeding, not using seat belts, consuming alcohol or drugs), and I agree to avoid situations in which others are engaging in this type of activity.

 

17. I will provide documentation that I maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance for any vehicle owned by me, which will be used to transport my Little.  I am the only person who will transport him/her.

 

18. I understand overnight visits are permitted only after six months and only with prior approval from my Match Support Specialist and my Little’s P/G.

 

19. I will provide separate areas for my Little to change clothes, bathe, shower, and/or sleep when these actions take place during a match outing.

 

20. I will not involve other children on match outings without prior approval of my Match Support Specialist and the P/G.

 

21. I will maintain any weapons I may have in my home as inaccessible.


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