• Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring Code of Conduct
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region (BBBSWR) provides children (Mentees) with safe, quality mentoring relationships with a volunteer Mentor. Serving as role models, Mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers and community. As a Mentor, you share with your Mentee, the school and BBBSWR a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship by observing the following code of conduct:
    • Mentors agree to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with their position as a positive role model to a group of Mentees, and as a representative of BBBSWR.
    • Mentors will follow BBBSWR policy and guidelines around the safety of the Mentees as outlined in the BBBSWR’s Pre-Match Training. This includes the prompt reporting of any suspicion or disclosure of abuse or neglect to Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region.
    • Mentors agree to respect the privacy and dignity of the Mentees and families we serve, by not divulging confidential information without consent, except where required by law, as in the case of suspected child abuse.
    • If I am matched, I understand that I am solely responsible for the care of the Mentees who may be entrusted to my care and I will cooperate fully with BBBSWR in the fulfillment of my duties.
    • Mentors will not for any reason post pictures or information on the internet that include Mentees and/or families who are involved with BBBSWR. This is inclusive of all social media outlets.
    • Mentors agree to honor the commitment of spending time together on a regular basis, yet agree to limit their involvement in their Mentees’ lives to what is deemed appropriate by BBBSWR. Mentors are seen as an influence, not a dominant factor, in the Mentees’ lives.
    • The Mentor-Mentee relationship is based on mutual respect. Mentors agree to treat the Mentees in a respectful way at all times.
    • Mentors agree to allow their Mentees to develop their friendship at their own pace. Mentors agree that the focus of the relationship is the Mentees.
    • Mentors are required to discuss problems, issues, concerns, or changes of circumstances (e.g., living situation, change of address ,phone number, etc.) with their Program Coordinator. Mentors agree to participate in regular contact with their Program Coordinator regarding the match relationship and to abide by a mandatory match monitoring schedule.
    • As a Mentor, I agree to have NO contact with the Mentees I am matched with outside of the confines of the Program. This includes in-person, phone, social media or email contact.
  • In-School Mentoring - Mentor Job Description
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region (BBBSWR)’s core value is to maintain the highest standards of practice in order to deliver safe, quality mentoring programs to children (Mentees). As a volunteer Mentor, you share with your Mentees, the school and BBBSWR a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship.
  • General Description
  • Big Brother/Big Sister Mentors will:
    • Be a friend to the Mentees and maintain contact on a regular and consistent basis/li>
    • Be a consistent and positive role model, emphasizing behavior such as trust, respect, reliability, honesty, fairness, commitment, resilience, kindness
    • Place primary importance upon the protection and well-being of the Mentees
    • Be supervised by a BBBSWR Program Coordinator and remain accountable to her/him
  • Qualifications and Requirements
  • Big Brother/Big Sister Mentors will:
    • Successfully complete each phase of BBBSWR’s enrollment process
    • Participate in Pre-Match Training administered by BBBSWR
    • Have the ability to relate to children and adults and to adapt to change
    • Be collaborative, patient and positive
    • Be reliable, dependable, punctual, honest, fun-loving and committed to open communication
    • Function within the guidelines of BBBSWR
    • Support the mission of BBBSWR
  • Roles and Responsibilities
    • Be clear in communication with your Mentee’s guardian, particularly around contacts, timing, planned activities and other issues of concern
    • Maintain regular and open communication with your Mentee, his/her guardian and BBBSWR
    • Make a commitment to see the Mentee on a regular and consistent basis
    • Take initiative in arranging outings with the Mentee, yet include him/her in decision making
    • Always let the Mentee know when s/he can expect to see you next
    • Keep every meeting with the Mentee unless it is absolutely impossible
    • Allow the Mentee to develop the friendship at her/his own pace
    • Respect the role of the guardian
    • Notify BBBSWR of any changes in your contact information, or any personal change that could impact the match
    • Promptly report any concerns about the match to your Program Coordinator
    • Respect the privacy and diversity of the Mentee and his/her family
    • Follow BBBSWR policies, procedures and child protection protocols as discussed in Pre-Match Training and in the Mentor Code of Conduct – your Program Coordinator is always able to guide and support you
    • Commit to a positive, formal closing of the mentoring match
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