What are the requirements of a Big/Volunteer Mentor?
- For our Traditional, and Big Bunch Group programs, mentors must be at least 18 years of age.
- For our In-School Mentors, volunteers must be ages 16+.
- For the 16-21 program, mentors must be at least 25 years of age.
- BBBSWI provides mentorship programs for families who live in the West Island – therefore meetings and activities with the Littles are generally located in the West Island.
- Be a legal resident of Canada
How are volunteer mentors and youth matched? What criteria is that based on?
- Common interests
- Similar personality
- Location and availability
- Shared experiences
How long do you stay in a Traditional match?
The Traditional matches have a 1-year minimum commitment with 2-3 activities per month. Traditional matches can start as early as when a child is 6 years old and continue to 16 years of age. Being matched for longer provides better consistency for them. Some matches remain friends after the child becomes an adult.
How do I find out more about becoming a mentor? What do I do?
To find out more about our mentorship programs and some testimonials from our Bigs and Littles, visit Our Programs in the About section on our website. To become a volunteer mentor, fill out the Become a Big application form on our website. A mentorship caseworker will follow up with you to schedule a phone interview to discuss how you can be a mentor.
How do Littles enroll in a mentorship program?
- Traditional mentoring: the child and their parent/guardian can apply on our website by filling out the Enroll a Young Person form online.
- In-School mentoring: the child’s school has a recommendation made by the resource teacher, principal or primary teacher to be a part of the ISM program.
- 16-21 program: Individuals must be a part of the Youth Protection Act or the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Are all Bigs and Littles matched?
Our team aims to match all our accepted applicants with the right mentor. Due to various reasons including match criteria (common interest, location, similar personalities, and shared experiences), not all volunteer mentors are matched to a child. We have many volunteer mentors who participate in our Big Bunch (group mentorship) program once a month during the school year. Children on the waitlist are encouraged to participate in the Big Bunch program.
What happens if my child is not matched?
For the children waiting to be matched, we encourage them to participate in the Big Bunch mentorship program. During the school year, the program organizes a variety of activities where the Littles are put into small groups of 3-4 kids and are matched with a Big Bunch mentor. During these activities, they can connect, create relationships, and bond with other Littles and a Big.
If I am not able to commit to a long-term (1-year) mentorship in the Traditional program, are there other ways I can make a difference?
- Big Bunch group mentors volunteer once a month during the school year at BBBSWI organized activities.
- In-School mentors volunteer weekly at select schools.
- Event volunteers are always needed to help with fundraising events, kids’ events and more. To find out more about how you can help, send us an email at bbbswi@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
- We also welcome any self-directed fundraisers that will benefit BBBSWI. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the BBBSWI family.
- All donations help fund and strengthen our mentorship programs and are very much appreciated. Click here to donate today!
What if a match doesn’t work out?
BBBSWI wants to ensure that everyone is happy with their match! We encourage our Bigs and Littles to take as much time as they need to ensure that the match is right for them. Our caseworkers are here to support the matches, the Bigs, the Littles and their parents. If you aren’t happy with your mentor or mentee, we appreciate your honest feedback. Our team will work toward helping you with resources, or finding a resolution so that you can continue your journey more positively.