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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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Program Preference

Basic Information




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Contact Information



























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Additional Information









References and Background Check

Previous Experience










Volunteer Experience











If you have more than one volunteer or work experience with youth, please click the "Add additional youth experience" button below in blue.
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.  


If no, input N/A.

If no, input N/A.

If no, input N/A.

Agency Firearms / Weapons Policy
  1. While some adults possess weapons for hunting and/or protection purposes, it is the policy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (BBBSSoutheastMI) that all agency volunteers agree: 

  3. 1. To inform BBBSSoutheastMI of the ownership of weapons or the presence of weapons in the home, automobile, etc. BBBSSoutheastMI staff will discuss the ownership of weapons during the volunteer’s interview, and update that status for the life of the match.  For purposes of this policy, “weapons” includes, but is not limited to, all firearms, handguns, cross bows, zip guns, stun guns, tasers, knives (except for kitchen knives and small pocketknives not used or intended for use as a weapon or to inflict bodily injury), and explosive devices. 

 

  1. 2. To ensure that weapons and ammunition are inaccessible to the child assigned to you by BBBSSoutheastMI and to any other child participating in a BBBSSoutheastMI activity, at all times, while the child is under your supervision.  The means of ensuring the inaccessibility will be discussed during the interview. 

  1. 3. The Big must attest to the fact that any weapons, firearms, or ammunition owned are licensed, permitted, registered, and handled in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.

  1. 4. To adhere to the policy that a volunteer will not carry a weapon, concealed or open, at any time while accompanying the child assigned to you by BBBSSoutheastMI or accompanying any other child participating in a BBBSSoutheastMI activity (with the exception of law enforcement officers or others required by their profession who are required to carry a weapon at all times and have received prior approval from BBBSSoutheastMI).

  1. 5. To understand that BBBSSoutheastMI will disclose to the parent/guardian of the child assigned to you by BBBSSoutheastMI the agency’s weapons policy and the volunteer’s admission of weapon ownership or the presence of a weapon in the home, automobile, etc. 

  1. 6. In order to participate in an activity where weapons are involved, the Little and Big must complete a state-approved hunter education course, accredited gun safety course, or other relevant weapons safety course related to the specific activity involving weapons, should this activity be approved by parent/guardian and the Match Support Specialist.  Documentation of course completion, written permission from the parent/guardian, and approval from BBBSSoutheastMI must be obtained prior to participating in any activity requiring/involving the use of a weapon. (e.g., hunting, usage of crossbows, target/clay pigeon shooting, etc.).  

  1. 7. To abide by all state laws regulating hunting/weapons usage and any other policy or procedure that BBBSSoutheastMI may put into effect regarding weapons. 

 

  1. 8. Non-hunting, archery target activities (with a standard bow and arrow) are allowable with prior written parent/guardian and BBBSSoutheastMI approval.  





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


Confidentiality and Obligation Release Policies

CONFIDENTIALITY

 

I have thoroughly reviewed the need for confidentiality and I understand and acknowledge the following:

 

1.    All information that I may encounter about any child, child’s family, Big Brother/Big Sister, the Big Brother’s/Big Sister’s family, or anything else of a confidential nature about any child or volunteer in any way connected with Big Brothers Big Sisters WILL BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL.  

2.   It is the position of the agency not to “out” a young person in regards to their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation that is confidential to the youth or the parent/guardian.

3.   Any information that reveals or tends to reveal the identity of any person who is the subject of the record WILL BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL.

4.   The identity of any person who contributes information to the subject record WILL BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL.

5.   The results of any inquiry into school records or medical records of any description WILL BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL.

6.   I will NOT discuss any information that I am privileged to receive with any other person without the verbal or written permission of either the Program Director or President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

7.   I will only release prior approved information to the individual to whom I have been given permission to release the information.

8.   I agree to hold all related information confidential and, except as I may be legally required, I will NOT disclose or release it to any individual or corporation at any time.

9.   I understand that Big Brothers Big Sisters agrees to hold all related information confidential and, except as we may be legally required, we will NOT disclose or release it to any individual or corporation at any time.

 

OBLIGATION RELEASE

 

I understand and agree that: 

1.    To the best of my knowledge and ability, I have provided accurate and complete information in response to the questions asked of me.

2.   Additional personal information may be asked of me as part of the ongoing procedures.

3.   The completion of the enrollment process does not guarantee that a match will be found.

4.   All children and adults who are not accepted into our program will be notified in writing.  It is the practice of Big Brothers Big Sisters NOT to inform the non-accepted party of the reasons for non-acceptance

5.   Mentors are responsible for ensuring that children are transported only in vehicles with       insured drivers during match activities.

6.   All children and adults who enter our program have the right to withdraw from the program          at any time prior to matching. 

7.   If matched as a volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters will pull my driving record and background report in order to remain in compliance with the agency’s general liability insurance policies.  I will report any traffic violations or arrests immediately to my Program Specialist.


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan recognizes that online social networking including but not limited to SnapChat, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Twitch, YouTube, Roblox, etc., are very popular communication tools and that many of our Bigs, Littles, and their Guardians use these websites. It is not possible for BBBS SEM to monitor all communications by its participants on these sites and, therefore, BBBSSoutheastMI has created this policy to provide guidance on the use of these social networking sites within the context of the match.  

 

In general, personal use of social networking sites is typically for communications between peers, including friends and family. BBBSSoutheastMI wants to reiterate that the Big’s relationship with their Little is that of a mentor in addition to a friend. Not all social networking sites are designed to support mentoring relationships. Remember, in person contact is the most effective and most rewarding type of interaction.  Failure to comply with this policy may be grounds for the termination of the match.

 

Please proceed thoughtfully when inviting or accepting an invitation from your Little/Big/ Guardian to a social networking site. Please note the age restrictions implemented by many of these sites.  If there are any doubts, please contact your assigned Match Support Specialist and postpone your invitation or acceptance. If you do choose to participate in a social networking site with your Little/Guardian/Big, you must adhere to the following guidelines regarding any postings related to your match or affiliation with BBBSSoutheastMI:


1. Do not participate in any online social networking with/about your Little/Guardian/Big unless you have discussed this with the Parent/Guardian and your Match Support Specialist

and have received their signed approval (to be kept on file with BBBSSoutheastMI). The P/G must sign the media release with the agency. 


2. Give the parent/guardian and BBBS SEM your social media handle and when possible, link your page to your Match Support Specialist’s page (if applicable) so that we can follow along with your postings.  


3. Make sure that your page settings are set to private, so that only people you approve can view your online content. Review your social media privacy settings on a regular basis as updates and platform changes occur.  


4. Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; be cautious when posting detailed information about conversations with your Little, their Parent/Guardian, your Big, or with BBBSSoutheastMI staff.  Posting generalized information or status updates is typically appropriate, but lengthier postings or blogs containing in-depth information should be approved by the parent/guardian and by BBBSSoutheastMI prior to posting. 


5. Tell the P/G about anything you post pertaining to your Little and ensure they approve of it prior to posting. 


6. Never post any pictures of your Little/Guardian online unless you have the written consent of the child’s Parent/Guardian. The consent form should be filed with BBBSSoutheastMI and stored in Matchforce.


7. Never post the last name of your Little, their parent/guardian, your Big, or BBBSSoutheastMI staff. 


8. Never post any contact information for your Little/Guardian/Big.


9. Never post pictures that include any other Little or their Big on your personal page without permission from the other Big and the other Little’s P/G. 


10. Never post any identifying information about your Little/Guardian/Big (e.g., child’s home address, school the child attends, pictures in front of the child’s home or school, where the parent works, etc.).  


11. Never post anything (status, pictures, etc) that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to your Little or his/her/their P/G. Likewise, remove any postings made by a third party that may be judgmental or offensive. 


12. Be aware of other postings on your page that are not BBBSSoutheastMI related or are inappropriate for minors. Know that as a BBBSSoutheastMI volunteer you are a role model at all times.  Please ensure that all content is appropriate and kid-friendly, in case your Little or his/her/their family were to read your social networking page. If your pages contain inappropriate (insensitive or offensive language, sexually explicit content, reference to drug use, etc.) content for a child to view/read, your social media pages must be set to private and inaccessible to the Little and their family.  If the social networking site allows, create a separate group for your Little, his/her/their P/G, and BBBSSoutheastMI staff that limits your Little’s access to your general or universal postings. 


13. Report any concerning (e.g., reference to self-harm or suicidal ideation, violence against others, sexually explicit content, reference to drug use, changes in mood or affect, etc.) content posted by your Little on social media to your Match Support Specialist immediately.  


14. Do not post information that can only be accessed through the Mentor Mission Box page or through the BBBSSoutheastMI monthly e-newsletter on your personal page. The opportunities posted on the Mentor Mission Box page are meant for current Bigs only, not the general public (i.e. invitations to special BBBS match events).


15. Sign an updated Social Media Release form should you decide to friend/unfriend or follow/unfollow your Little online. This information will be updated in Matchforce.  


16. When in doubt about whether or not something is appropriate to post, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting. 


17. Refer to social networking site restrictions on communicating/connecting with youth. Do not “friend” your Little if they are younger the required age restrictions of a platform.

 

BBBSSoutheastMI has the right to view the content and assess all public material on the social networking sites utilized by prospective or current Bigs and other volunteers. Inappropriate information or visual material can be cause for non-acceptance as a volunteer or subject for review and potential match closure by BBBSSoutheastMI. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in the closure of your match.

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                                        

Agency Guidelines

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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