THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING WITH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF PRINCE ALBERT!

Please select an option below that 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 (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.

I want to volunteer at a special event and/or or I am looking for ways to involve my co-workers or staff.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING A VOLUNTEER MENTOR

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 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.

WHAT TYPE OF TIME COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED?

It depends on the program you are interested in and your schedule – we work with you to find what will work best for you. Our volunteer commitments range between eight weeks and one year long. Matches generally meet weekly for 1 to 3 hours depending on the program.

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 a volunteer 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 SORT OF THINGS OR ACTIVITIES DO I DO AS A MENTOR?

This depends on you and your match! What sort of activities do you like to do? Many of our matches share interests so they like to do those activities together. Matches also get to go to special events, community events, or explore our community. Others cook, play video games, craft, go swimming, or play sports together. Some even cheer each other on at recitals and games!

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH YOUTH?

No experience is required to volunteer with us and you will be provided with valuable training free of charge that can help you with your own personal and professional development.

DOES IT COST A LOT OF MONEY TO BE A MENTOR?

All of our programs are free to join, but there are minimal costs associated with activities you might occasionally choose to do with your match. We encourage low-to-no cost activities when possible, and regularly provide free tickets and passes to things for our matches to do around the city.

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!

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. 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 that can be bumps in the road -and we are here to help you! We check in at different times to make sure things are running smoothly too. 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!