Do you believe in creating change locally through civic action and volunteerism?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce & West Simcoe (BBBSGBWS) is seeking energetic, dedicated volunteers to join our growing organization. We are a non-profit charity, providing mentorship services to youth ages 6-18 in both schools and communities. As a vibrant, collaborative, community-focused organization we believe in creating communities where young people belong and are empowered to unlock their potential.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Community-Based Volunteer

• Join us as a Mentor in our community-based volunteer program. Connect with a local youth (ages 6-18) in your community. Spend one hour a week engaging in fun, skill-building activities and make an impact! (One year commitment)

School-Based Volunteer

• School-based volunteers spend one hour weekly connecting with a group of Mentees (ages 6-16) within the school environment. Mentors are provided with programming that supports educational success. Join us as a school-based Mentor and make an impact! (Four month commitment)

Group-Based Volunteer

• Group program volunteers support the BBBSGBWS team in a variety of unique settings, including our Outdoor Wellness Program, Youth Council meetings and Big Bunch events. This position is great for students. (Flexible commitment)

Agency Volunteer

• With the BBBSGBWS team engage in fundraising support and be a BBBSGBWS brand ambassador. Join our team at local youth events, connect with children, youth, families and make an impact!

To volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you should:

• Be interested in developing a positive relationship with a local child or youth
• Promote the welfare and safety of children and youth and act with integrity
• Be trustworthy, energetic, mature, reliable, patient and respectful of others
• Be supportive and non-judgmental in your interactions with children and youth
• Be comfortable with BBBSGBWS's core values, policies and procedures
• Be cause-driven and believe in the power of civic engagement and community connection

What will be expected of me?

• Commit approximately one to two hours per week (this varies across programs)
• Commit for up to one year or as little as four months (this varies across programs)
• Complete pre-match training and screening to ensure the safety and security of children and youth
• Receive ongoing connection, training and support from BBBSGBWS
• Communicate openly and regularly with the parents/guardians
• Communicate openly and regularly with the BBBSGBWS Mentorship Coordinator team

BBBSGBWS is committed to recruiting a diverse group of volunteers that represent the communities we serve, while encompassing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations.

The board will continuously monitor the organization’s programs and activities to be sure they are aligned with the mission to achieve short-term goals and long-term purpose. They will exercise fiduciary responsibility to obtain and appropriately use resources required to carry out the organization’s mission.

Be a positive adult role model for a child. For as little as one hour per week you can have a profound impact on a child's future.

Board of Directors Description - Director 

Function 

Board members are responsible for determining and implementing policies and procedures to achieve the mission and mandate of Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce & West Simcoe.   

Role and Responsibilities 

• Understand and demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and programs; 

• Be informed about agency policies and programs in order to support adherence to the National Standards as set out by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada; 

• Possess knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs, personnel, and advocacy; 

• Contribute skills and knowledge by participating actively in meetings and committee work; 

• Understand and maintain confidentiality; 

• Avoid any potential conflicts of interest; 

• Ensure the organization is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements; 

• Assist in fostering positive relationships among the Board, staff and community to support fulfillment of organizational mandate. 

• Serve as an ambassador for the organization;  

General Duties 

• Prepare for meetings by reading agendas, minutes, reports and other documentation required to actively participate in them; 

• Attend meetings regularly; 

• Be an active participant on at least one board committee; 

• Keep up to date with issues and trends that affect the organization; 

• Participate in the review of the Board’s structure, approve changes, and assist in bylaw amendments; 

• Participate in the recruitment of new board members and staff; 

• Support and participate in the evaluation of the board; 

• Get to know other committee members and build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus; 

• Assist in the recruitment of new volunteers for all positions in the agency; 

• Share in the oversight of staff including review and approval of employment contracts;

• Participate in fundraising for the organization and any events related thereto; 

• Participate in orientation, educational and strategic planning sessions;  

• Understand and monitor the organization’s financial affairs including review and approval of annual budgets; 

• Be available for unscheduled meetings and phone calls