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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. 

Basic Information








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Contact Information



























To ensure safety, our process includes a basic screening of other adults living in a volunteer's home. Please list the full name, other names used (maiden, alias, etc.), and birth date of ALL adults 18 year or older living in your home:


Employer Information











Additional Information









Previous Experience



References and Background Check

Please provide at least three references. A reference from a Spouse/Spousal Equivalent or Significant Other is required. Substitute a family member if no Spouse/Spousal Equivalent or Significant Other.
Spousal/Familial Reference







Professional Reference






Personal Reference







Volunteer Experience










I understand that:
  1. The references and youth organizations that I have worked for or been involved with as a volunteer whose information I have provided may be contacted by telephone or email.
  2.  I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services.
  3. I will be asked to provide my social security number.
  4. The information I provide may be used to conduct a background check, to include a driving records check, criminal background check, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth. If matched, the information I provided may also be used to conduct an annual criminal background and driving records check. Continued involvement will be based on the information discovered.
  5.  Big Brothers Big Sisters has the right to accept or deny program participants and is not obligated to match me with a youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters is not required to provide me with a reason if I am not accepted or matched with a youth.
  6. As part of the enrollment process, I agree to provide additional personal information to assist Big Brothers Big Sisters in making a recommendation for matching.

Confidentiality Agreement

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley respects the confidentiality of client and volunteer records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about clients and volunteers only among the agency professional staff.

 

All records are considered the property of the agency and not the agency workers or clients or volunteers themselves.  Records are not available for review by the clients or volunteers.

 

  1. Information will be released to other individuals or non-BBBS organizations only with the client or volunteer's written consent.
  1. Identifying information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency      publications or promotional materials unless the clients or volunteers request otherwise.
  1. For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with the prior approval of the Board of Directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America may have access to client and volunteer records.
  1. Members of the Board of Directors or evaluators appointed by the Board have access to client files upon authorization of the Board of Directors.
  1. Information will be provided to law enforcement authorities only upon the issuance of a valid and enforceable subpoena.  However, general verbal information i.e., your affiliation with our organization and information that may be found, for instance, in BBBS publications may be given upon request of law enforcement authorities.
  1. Information shall be provided to an agency's legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency.
  1. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities.
  1. If an agency worker receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may be dangerous to himself or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party.  This may include a medical referral or report to the local law enforcement authorities.
  1. At the time a child or volunteer is considered as a match candidate, information is shared between the prospective match parties.  The information about the volunteer may include such items as:  age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies, marriage, family status, sexual orientation, living situation, etc.  Information about the child may include such items as age, sex, race, religion, interests, hobbies, family situation, etc.

Authorization of Release

I give my consent to allow any counseling, therapy, or medical service that I have, am currently, or will be seeking to release confidential information to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley.


The purpose of this information exchange is to volunteer as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley (BBBSTV). Further, I give consent to continued authorization to discuss my situation as it relates to giving services through BBBSTV. If I receive such services, the information exchange will be to keep BBBSTV apprised of my status and development within the community as well as other issues which may affect Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama’s ability to accept services as a volunteer mentor. BBBSTV staff agree to maintain the confidentiality of any information released.

 

 

I understand the following information may be released: diagnosis/ prognosis, medications, family relationships, and behavior in the community, from my mental or medical professional.

 

 

This authorization shall expire upon written notification by me; or by termination of services by me, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama. A copy of this holds the same authority as the original.

 


Volunteer Ground Rules

1) Bigs (volunteers) first and foremost are expected to be positive role models to their Littles (children with whom they are matched). 

2) Bigs are expected to commit to the program for at least 1 year and meet with their Littles for at least one hour each week.

3) Bigs are required to maintain positive, productive contact with Match Support staff at least monthly for the first year and at least quarterly after the first year to ensure longer, stronger matches by discussing focus areas such as progress and safety. 

 4) Bigs must maintain adequate auto insurance if transporting Littles and must provide copies to BBBSTV at least annually or when changes occur. 

5) Bigs must submit to periodic background checks and must inform BBBSTV of any traffic citations, automobile accidents, or criminal investigations/arrests. 


6) Bigs are responsible for the supervision of Littles during match activities. Littles should not be left with anyone else, even Bigs’ family members. 


7) BBBSTV staff members are mandatory reporters for the State of Alabama. Any suspected child abuse must be reported immediately. Bigs should contact the Department of Human Resources directly then immediately contact BBBSTV staff or contact BBBSTV staff immediately for assistance in reporting to DHR. 


*Additional Volunteer Guidelines will be discussed during orientation

Social Media Guidelines

We realize that many of our volunteers are active on social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. As a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley (BBBSTV), and ultimately a representative of our organization, we want you to keep these guidelines in mind when engaging on social media.


1.   1. Safety of Littles is our number one priority.

It is very important to keep child safety and confidentiality issues in mind when communicating on social media sites. Refrain from providing identifying information about your Little (child’s last name, parent’s name, child’s home address, school the child attends, where the parent works, etc). 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.”


1.   2. A parental release form is required for photo/videos.

In order to post pictures of your Little on any website or social media site, BBBSTV needs to obtain a consent form from the parent/ guardian. Please contact your MSS prior to the first time you post to obtain the release form to be signed by the parent/ guardian.


3. 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 or not a post is appropriate, consult with your Match Support Specialist prior to posting.

4.  4. 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 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.


5. Do not post anything that exemplifies questionable behavior as a role model for a child.

No alcohol or seemingly drunken behavior, cigarettes, nightclub activities, etc. should be referenced or shown in pictures, whether you are partaking or not. As a Big, you are a representative of BBBSTV and should reflect this through all of your social media messages and content, even if BBBSTV is not 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


6. We recommend that you DO NOT “friend” 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 written consent.

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

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

The people that 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. 


8. Big Brothers Big Sisters has the right to monitor the social media of our Bigs. 

If you are seen using social media inappropriately, your relationship with our organization could be terminated.

Firearms and Weapons Policy

  1. I agree to notify Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley if I currently own or possess a firearm of any kind and I also agree to notify the agency if I own or possess a firearm at any time during the duration of my enrollment and participation in the program.

  3. I agree to store the firearm separately from the ammunition and to keep both locked and inaccessible to the child during the child’s visit to my home.

  5. I agree not to carry a weapon in my vehicle during match meetings.

  7. I agree not to engage in any activity in which a firearm is used.

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