Guidelines and Groundrules for Volunteers
Children's safety and well-being is our number one priority, and everyone associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters plays a role in helping keep children safe.
The following guidelines are established for your match relationship to help you develop a healthy relationship with your Little. The guidelines will also help children understand appropriate boundaries and build personal safety skills while allowing them to recognize and trust the caring adults in their lives.
All Programs:
- I understand that I will learn personal information about my Little and his or her family, which I will keep confidential. I will show respect at all times for my Little and his or her family, and never come between a parent and their child.
- I will maintain regular contact with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) support staff by responding to calls, letters and e-mails. I will also complete evaluations as requested by BBBS staff.
- I understand that if a problem arises in my match relationship or with my Little's parent, I will contact BBBS Support Staff immediately.
- I will maintain open communication at all times and never ask my Little to keep a secret.
- If any of my contact information changes, I will notify BBBS immediately.
- I understand the importance of properly ending a match relationship. Therefore, I will actively participate in the closure procedure as requested by BBBS Support Staff.
- I will respect the personal space of my Little and avoid inappropriate physical contact (e.g. backrubs, sitting in laps, wrestling, etc.)
- I agree to never leave my Little unattended or alone with any other person.
- I agree to limit gift giving to special occasions, and will receive prior approval from the parent/guardian or agency staff.
- I agree to abstain from any use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs while in the presence of my Little, and I agree to avoid situations in which others are engaging in this type of activity.
- I will never use corporal punishment with my Little, or any means of verbally and/or emotionally abusive means of discipline.
- I will never display or discuss any materials of a sexual nature with my Little.
- I agree to notify BBBS of situations that arise in my life that may affect my match, including but not limited to serious illness, change in marital/family status, contact with law enforcement, etc.
- I accept complete responsibility for my actions as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I agree to hold Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska and all the members, agents, representatives and employees of that organization harmless and free from liability for my actions as a volunteer in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.
School Program:
- I understand that spending one-to-one time with my Little consistently is one of the most important things I can do as a volunteer. Therefore, I will meet with my Little an average of one (1) hour each week during the school year and maintain contact in summer.
- I will contact the school and/or BBBS staff if I cannot attend my scheduled meeting or if I will be late.
- I agree to see my Little only on school grounds, at school sanctioned activities or at BBBS staffed events. I will not transport my Little to/from school or events.
- I will follow all school rules as outlined by school personnel and BBBS Support Staff.