Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island

What services does your organization provide?
We provide the training and ongoing support to volunteers needed to guide the children in a professional, caring manner.

Do you have any age requirements?
We have various programs. The majority of programs require volunteers to be 18 years and over however out Teen In-School Mentoring program accepts volunteers of 15 years and over.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
Most of our children speak English although there are a few children who speak French. The volunteers specify which language they are most comfortable with and will be matched with a child that speaks the same language.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Our traditional Big Brother/Big Sister program needs a commitment of 3-4 hours a week, 2-3 times a month, for 1 year. Our school-based programs ask for 1 hour a week, either for the entire school year for the In-School Mentoring program or for 1 hour a week for 7 weeks for the Go Girls and Game On school-based programs.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
No.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
A genuine love of helping children have fun and being a good friend and good listener are really all that is needed. Being a positive influence and giving them your full attention when you are with them is very important.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
Traditional Big Brother/Big Sister Mentoring.
In-School Mentoring (Go Girls, Game On, In-School Mentoring programs)

Do you provide training for volunteers?
There is an orientation meeting at our office given by the caseworkers that supply much information. There is also on-going support for volunteers. They are encouraged to call their caseworkers at any time to discuss any questions or concerns.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
See above.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters West Island?
This type of volunteering is quite enriching to the lives of the volunteer. Knowing that you have touched the life of a child in a positive way and have helped him/her reach their full potential is beyond what words can express.

Do you accept high school students?
Only for our school-based Teen In-School Mentoring Program but a commitment for the school year is required (Sept - June).