Welcome To The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn F.A.Q Section

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding mentoring and volunteering with us. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact us so we can resolve them promptly.

Mentoring

What Is Mentoring All About?

First and foremost, mentoring is about being a friend to a child or youth.

How Do Mentors Make A Difference In The Lives Of Children And Youth?

Mentors make a difference in so many different ways! See our testimonials from Volunteers, Mentees, and their parents.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Be A Mentor?

You have to be 18 years or older to become a mentor in our programs.

Volunteering With Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn

What Kinds Of Activities Do Mentors And Mentees Do Together?

We encourage Mentors and Mentees to choose activities they both enjoy. Caseworkers do their best to match mentors with mentees, who have interests similar to theirs. We organize group activities for matches and are sometimes given tickets to movies, sporting events, and cultural events which we offer to our matches.

Does Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn Only Offer One-To-One Mentoring Or Are There Different Types Of Opportunities Available?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn offers a wide variety of mentoring opportunities, and the programs offered vary from agency to agency. View our program section to see what our agency provides.

Does Mentoring Cost A Lot Of Money?

It does not have to. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn encourages no-cost and low-cost activities, and in most matches, it is not the responsibility of the mentor to pay for the child or youth.

What Can I Do If I Need Support With An Issue In My Match?

You will be assigned a caseworker, a trained professional who is there to support you in your match. You will be required to have regular contact with your caseworker, and we also encourage you to contact your Caseworker at any time to discuss how the match is going, what activities you are enjoying together, and any issues that you may be having.

Are Mentors Expected To Help Out With The Child Or Youth’s Personal Activities, Such As Bringing Them To Appointments, Helping Them With Homework, Etc?

No. Mentors may decide to help out with these types of activities now and then, but this is not a requirement.

Are mentors responsible for the safety of their Mentee during outings?

Yes. Contact Us for more information.

Becoming A Volunteer

How Do I Get Started?

Fill out a mentor application.

Do You Accept Everyone Who Applies To Be A Volunteer?

No. As prospective mentors go through the application and assessment process, the agency may determine that a mentoring role is not right for them. Prospective mentors themselves may also decide the time is not right to take on this role.

What Steps Do Agencies Take To Ensure That Inappropriate People Are Not Accepted As Volunteers?

Several steps are taken. For example, all prospective volunteers must provide a satisfactory criminal record check and three or four satisfactory references. For more information on requirements, you can call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn or contact us online.

Does One Need To Get A Criminal Record Check Done?

Yes. You will need to go to your local RCMP or Police Department.

What If I Have A Criminal Record?

We are required to do Criminal record checks on all volunteers dealing with children. Should you have a record, a caseworker would discuss this area with you as each situation is handled on its own merits and may not impact your application.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Mentor?

This varies and depends on the time it takes for the application process to be completed. Contact us to learn more.

How Is A Mentee Picked For Me? Do I Have Any Say?

When matching you with a child, your caseworker carefully reviews your application, noting your stated preferences, activities you enjoy, your background, personality, where you live, and other information gathered during your interview. All of this information is carefully considered to make a suitable match. Before introducing the two of you, your caseworker will call you to tell you about the child to make sure you are comfortable and to answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to meet the child before the match is made official. You do have the option to say ‘no’ – we want everyone to be excited about the new match.

Help With Making Your Decision

How Do I Know If Mentoring Is Right For Me?

In addition to going over the information in this section, you may wish to contact us to get answers to other questions you may have.

I Am A Senior Citizen, Can I Volunteer?

Most definitely! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Weyburn programs have no upper age limit to volunteering – just be prepared to get in touch with your inner child!

I Do Not Know Much About Children And Youth, Is That Okay?

Yes! It does not take much knowledge or experience to be a friend and a positive role model, and the caseworker is always there to support you.

Do I Need To Have Access To A Car?

This is something you should discuss with your caseworker before being matched.

I Cannot Commit To One Year Or Once A Week. Can I Still Be A Volunteer?

Most likely, yes. We offer programs with different commitment requirements. We will let you know if there is a program that might work for you. You may also want to start out by volunteering in another way, for example by helping the agency out with a fundraising event.

What If I Cannot See My Little Brother Little Sister For A Week Or Two Because I Am On Vacation, Or Away On A Business Trip?

Occasional absences are to be expected, whether for vacations, work responsibilities or illness. If you are going to miss an outing, discuss your plans with your caseworker, your mentee, and his/her parent or guardian prior to your absence.

How Do I Know I’ll Get Along With The Child I Am Matched With?

Caseworkers interview you and find out your likes and dislikes and do the same with the children so that we can match you according to your similar likes and interests.

Do I Have To Spend Money?

No, there are many activities that cost little or no money. You just have to be creative. Our agency has partnerships with Weyburn businesses who give discounts to our Mentors. It is not your responsibility to pay your young friend’s way to events. We often get free tickets to sporting, theater or cultural events for our matches. Group activities with other matches are scheduled on a regular basis. There are low cost or free options provided to our Matches that range from swimming to paintball, to holiday parties.