High School Big Volunteer Application

Thank you for DEFENDING POTENTIAL
Congratulations on taking the first steps to become a High School "Big" volunteer mentor!  

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on one-to-one mentoring relationships which help youth in the program build their self-esteem, foster stronger relationships, have higher aspirations, and set and achieve goals. 
Non-Discrimination Policy
Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region follows a non-discrimination policy that prohibits exclusion of potential volunteer Bigs, youth, parents/guardians, board members, or agency staff on the basis of race, color, religion, age, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected class.
Preparation to Complete This Application
To complete this application, you will need to have names and email addresses for at least 2 references. One reference should be your legal guardian and one reference should be from your school - a teacher, counselor, or another faculty member who knows you well.

If you have worked or volunteered with children (camp counselor, mission trip, coach, etc.) we will also need the name and contact information for the organization you worked with. 

We screen applicant's social media accounts. Have your social media username/handle ready to provide it to us.


Be prepared to upload an image of your driver's license, State ID or School ID.


Thank you for your desire to make a BIG impact on the life of someone younger than you!!


Click NEXT PAGE to begin! 

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Basic Information


If none input "N/A"


E.g. - Jr., Sr., II


Input date format as dd/mm/yyyy












Enter date format as dd/mm/yyyy



Contact Information




Emergency Contact (This will be your legal guardian.)




Home Address





Employment Information











School/Community Center Information



Extracurricular Activities


Additional Information





References, Legal Record & Authorization

Legal Record


Your References
Please provide at least at least two references. "Caregiver" refers to the person you live with. You can list "Relationship To You" as Parent, if they are your parent, or Other Relative, if they are another family member. 














Youth Service Volunteer Experience
If you have worked with children in any capacity within the last 5 years, we need to speak with someone who can provide information about your interaction with kids. 

Examples of serving youth could include being a youth group pastor, Sunday School teacher, counselor at a camp, babysitting, nannying, teaching, coaching, etc. Think of this as a question asking about your experience/interaction with any children who are not in your family. 










Please do not enter months.

Authorization


OPTIONAL

Social Media Platforms Used
A part of our enrollment process requires us to check applicant's social media presence. If you use social media, please indicate which social media platforms you use and your username/handle. 








Agency Policies and Conditions

UPON SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION, I 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 have provided may be used to conduct background checks, 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 and with exceptions noted below. 

8. I understand that incidents of child abuse or neglect, past or present, must 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 timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff.


12. I understand that the policy of the High School Bigs program is that meetings between a volunteer and Little take place ONLY at the agreed upon site (school or community center grounds) during hours approved by the agency.  I realize that if I violate this policy, I may be permanently terminated from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.


I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region.

I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region, including this application, is true, correct 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 on my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer.


I fully understand my responsibilities and requirements in the match relationship and as a participant of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  I agree to comply, to the best of my ability, with the Guidelines and Ground Rules set forth.