With multiple programs to choose from, finding the right fit for you, your goals and availability is easy.
Please see below for the program options in Morinville!
Community Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
*Note: We are only accepting new referrals from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services.
Commonly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, this program is where the volunteer mentor and mentee spend time together by participating in a variety of activities, such as riding bikes, reading, cooking, going to the park, eating ice cream. Matches will spend time together in their community at convenient times that work for them, typically in the evenings and on weekends
Mentees: Children and youth between the ages of 6-24.
Volunteer Mentors: Adults 18+
In School Mentoring Program
*Note: This program is currently not running, please check back at a later date.
The In-School Mentoring program is where volunteer mentors visit with their mentee, at their school, during school hours, and spend time doing homework, reading, playing games and talking. This program takes place at select schools in St Albert. Click here to see a map of schools that offer this program.
Mentees: Children and youth aged 6-17.
Volunteer mentors: Teens 16+ and Adults 18+
Teen Bigs
The program locally is just beginning to develop programs at the high schools where students in Grades 10-12 can volunteer as mentors to elementary students (Grades 3-5).
Any high schools interested in learning more, please contact Danielle Griffin at danielle.griffin@bgcbigs.ca or at 780-930-7034.
Click here to see a map of schools that offer In-School Mentoring.
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Ready to start the process of becoming a volunteer? Follow the steps below!
1. Fill out an application
We’re so happy you are interested in being a volunteer! Please click here to complete your full application (including 3 references) so we can learn more about you.
2. Attend Training
All volunteers will complete 2 trainings prior to being matched. The first is a 30-minute online orientation from the Alberta Mentoring Partnership that will introduce you to the core concepts of mentoring and what it means to be a mentor. The second is a 2.5 hour training with agency staff that will equip you with the tools to be confident as you start your volunteer journey. With multiple sessions available each week, you can choose the time that best fits your schedule. For anyone looking to volunteer in our Youth In Care program, there is an additional 3-hour enhanced training session.
3. Complete an interview
We’ll connect for 2-hours in-person to get to know you, learn why you want to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Parkland County, and make sure you’re in the best program for your skills, goals and lifestyle.
4. Background Review
We’ll provide you with the paperwork to submit a Police Information Check and Child & Family Services Check.
5. References
We will connect with the three references you provided in your application.
6. Ready to start mentoring!
What To Expect
Your Role
- Build a special friendship with a young person and have fun together.
- Talk, listen, support, guide, encourage – believe in them and help them believe in themselves.
- Keep others informed about what you’re doing.
- Keep in touch with your staff contact person and ask questions as they arise. We also really like hearing about your experiences!
- Provide a safe, responsible environment for the child in your care.
- Be a mentor, a role model to a child
Our Role
- Ensure the safety of our children and youth and our volunteers.
- Work with you to match you with a young person or program where your interests and availability are considered.
- Assign a direct contact person to provide support and establish expectations and follow up requirements.
- Provide orientation and training so you know what to expect.
- Help you be successful!
Questions?
Danielle Newman
Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
Email: danielle.newman@bgcbigs.ca
Phone: 780-884-5924