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Big Bunch - Mentor Code of Conduct
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region (BBBSWR) provides young people with safe, quality mentoring relationships. 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 volunteer Mentor, you commit to fostering a safe, healthy, enjoyable and meaningful relationship by observing the following code of conduct:
  • Mentors conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the agency's:
    • mission, vision, and Theory of Change;
    • policies and procedures as outlined in the BBBSWR’s Pre-Match Training; and
    • commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • 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. Volunteers model consistency, reliability, punctuality, and commitment to open communication.
  • 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, report 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.
  • Mentors participate in regular supervision meetings to discuss the match relationship and commit to a mandatory match monitoring schedule to ensure:
    • the match is safe and healthy;
    • the mentee derives the most benefit possible from the mentoring friendship; and
    • both mentee and mentor are feeling valued and supported.
  • 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 the event of match closure, volunteers are sensitive to the impact that this can have and take the necessary steps to minimize upset to the child/youth, including celebrating the accomplishments of the match.
  • Volunteers connect with agency staff to formally close the match.

Big Bunch - 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, their Caregivers and BBBSWR a commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable, meaningful, and healthy mentoring relationship.
General Description
Big Bunch Mentors will:
  • Be a friend to the Mentees and meet with the Mentees at the designated time and location as determined by the Program Coordinator
  • 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 them
Qualifications and Requirements
Big Bunch 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 the Mentees’ Caregivers, particularly around timing and planned activities
  • Maintain regular and open communication with your Mentees, their Caregivers and BBBSWR
  • Always let the Mentees know when they can expect to see you next
  • Keep every appointment with the Mentees unless it is absolutely impossible
  • Notify BBBSWR of any address or phone number change, or any personal change that could impact the match
  • Allow the Mentees to develop the friendship at their own pace
  • Respect the role of the Caregiver
  • Promptly report any concerns about the match to your Program Coordinator
  • Respect the privacy and diversity of the Mentees and their 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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Volunteer Name*
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