THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING WITH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PRINCE ALBERT!
We provide opportunities for you to make a difference with kids and youth in our community. Through 1:1 mentoring or group experiences, we guide you, providing the foundation for a positive volunteer experience.
Share a little time, and have fun while making a difference. Create meaningful connections and be part of building a stronger community.
Apply today at the option below which fits your level of interest.
Sign me up! I am ready to fill out the online Volunteer Mentor Application now to become a mentor to a child or youth in Prince Albert. (This application takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete)
I am interested in becoming a volunteer mentor to a child or youth in Prince Albert. Please contact me so I can learn more or set up an appointment to apply in person.
I am not interested in becoming a mentor at this time, but would like to volunteer at a special event or fundraiser.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING A VOLUNTEER MENTOR
WHAT TYPE OF TIME COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED TO BE A MENTOR?
We ask for a one year commitment in our 1:1 Community Mentoring program, and until the end of the school year in our ISM program. Some small group mentoring opportunities may also be available. Matches generally meet weekly for 1 to 2 hours depending on the program.
WHAT SORT OF THINGS OR ACTIVITIES DO I DO AS A MENTOR?
What sort of activities do you like to do? Many of our matches have shared interests, so they like to do those activities together. Some like to go to local events, or explore our parks and community. Some get together and cook, play video games, craft, go swimming, or play sports together. Some matches enjoy walking the dog or just having a chat over hot chocolate. It’s really up to you and your match what you want to do together. We will start you off with some ideas and will continue to be here to support your mentoring journey.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR YOUTH?
No experience is required to volunteer with us. We provide free valuable training that can help you with your own personal and professional development.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON A MATCH?
Matches are based on what is called “best fit.” This is why we ask about your interests during intake and find out more about why you want to be a mentor! We also want to know about things you are interested in learning and trying. We use all that information to match you to a youth, but we always check in with you on the potential match before we help organize a match meeting with everyone. We’re there to help the conversations get started!
DOES IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO BE A MENTOR?
Not at all! All of our programs are free to join and we encourage low-to-no cost activities. We also regularly provide free tickets and passes to things for matches to do around the city. From time to time their might be minimal costs associated with activities you might occasionally choose to do with your match, but we encourage you to try to keep spending minimal.
HOW LONG DOES THE ONLINE MENTOR APPLICATION TAKE TO COMPLETE?
The application takes about 10 to 15 minutes to finish and helps us get to know you better. If you have any questions or encounter difficulties please email Rayanne Buller at r.buller@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR?
You need to be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer mentor with our organization.
WHAT IS A BIG SUPPORTER?
A Big Supporter is a reference to your application. We require 3 references:
- 1 significant other or family member reference
- 1 personal reference (not a family member)
- 1 employer, previous volunteer experience (with children) or teacher/professor reference.
DO I NEED A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK?
Yes, you do need a current CRC (with a Vulnerable Sector Search) that has been processed in the last six months. We provide you with letter to take to the Prince Albert Police Department to receive this document free of charge. (If you live outside of the City of Prince Albert you will need to take it to your local RCMP detachment.) If you have questions about obtaining your CRC please reach out to your Coordinator.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE BUSY TIMES OF THE YEAR OR I AM SOMETIMES AWAY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME?
Let us know during your intake and we can talk about options. We understand that life happens and there are opportunities that can work for anyone. If you are in a match and will be away for an extended period of time we just ask that you let us, your match, and their family know and find ways to keep in touch while you will be away through letters, postcards, e-mails, or texts.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS AFTER I’VE BEEN MATCHED?
We’re always an office visit, phone call, or e-mail away. We love to hear about the awesome things in the matches, but we know there can be bumps in the road sometimes -and we are here to help you. Your coordinator will check in at different times to make sure things are running smoothly but invite you to contact us at any time. Our job is to support you, your mentee, and their families should there by any obstacles that arise but also to celebrate all your successes with you.