As a Big Brother, Big Sister or an In School Mentor, you share with each member of this Agency, a valued reputation. We symbolize friendship, responsibility, trust, and a concern for the protection and well being of children. In the interest of the children and youth we serve, Big Brothers / Big Sisters / Mentors commit to improving the life of a child by observing the following:

Eligibility Criteria

Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Mentors must:

· Be a minimum of 18 years of age or older (unless involved as a teen mentor)
· Comply to all the components of the application process
· Be able to able to fulfill the minimum commitment requirements for the program of choice.
-Traditional Program: 3-4 hours a week for a minimum of 1 year
-In School Mentoring Program: 1 hour a week for a minimum of 1 school year.
-Big Bunch Program: 2-4 hours/bi-weekly for a minimum of 8 months
-Go Girls Program: 2 hours/week (one afternoon) for the 8 week program                     -Game On Program: 2 hours/week (one afternoon) for the 8 week program                   · Provide evidence that their life situation is stable enough to fulfill the minimum length of service required by program of choice if they have lived in the community less then six months.

General Description
Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Mentors will:
· be a friend to the child, and maintain contact on a regular and consistent basis
· conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their position as a positive role model to a child, and as a representative of the Agency.
· be a consistent and positive role model by modeling responsible behaviours such as reliability, respect, honesty, appropriate manners etc., along with a concern for the protection and well-being of children
· be supervised by the Mentoring Coordinator and will remain accountable to her/him

Qualifications and Requirements
Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Mentors will:
· have the ability to relate to children and adults, to adapt to change, and to work well with the Agency
· make a commitment to see the child on a regular and consistent basis
· be personally suitable and mature, and exhibit mental and emotional competence
· make use of the agency service to support a positive relationship
· be reliable and of good character, dependable, punctual, honest, fun-loving and committed to open communication
· have the ability and willingness to support the mission of the organization
· successfully complete each phase of the Agency’s enrollment process
· participate in the Child Safety Program administered by the agency
· review the match with agency staff at regularly scheduled times
· agree to function within the guidelines of the agency
Roles and Responsibilities
· Be clear in communication with the parent/ teacher involved, particularly around contacts, timing, planned activities and other issues of concern
· Take initiative in arranging visits with the Little
· Always let the Little/Mentee know when s/he can expect to see you next
· Keep every appointment with the Little/Mentee unless it is absolutely impossible
· Allow the Little/Mentee to develop the friendship at her/his own pace
· Respect the role of the parent/school
· Notify the Agency of any personal life changes that could impact the match (marriage, moving, contact info)
· Promptly report any concerns about the match to the Agency
· Respect the privacy and comfort level of the Little/Mentee and his/her family
· Maintain contact and work with the Mentoring Coordinator to clarify and resolve issues
· Follow Agency policy and guidelines about safety of the child as outlined in the Agency’s Child Safety Program and not engage in any behaviour that may be perceived as being inappropriate and/or abusive with the child or any member of the child’s family.
· Follow Agency protocol; abide by child abuse reporting protocol and legislation
· Agree to treat the child and the family in a respectful way at all times.
· Discuss problems, issues, concerns, or changes of circumstances with the Mentoring Coordinator.
· Comply with agency standards regarding code of conduct for Big Brothers Big Sisters
· In the event of match closure, be sensitive to the Little’s/Mentee’s concerns and needs, and work with Agency to facilitate a positive end to the match. All matches are to be formally closed by the Mentoring Coordinator following a required process that minimizes upset to the child.

Focus on friendship and building the child’s skills and self-esteem. Share experiences that will enable you both to learn and grow and HAVE FUN TOGETHER!