1. How long does the process take before I can begin volunteering?
The average enrollment time is 1-3 months for our InSchool and Group programs.

At this time, we are no longer accepting new application for our Big Sister/Couples/Buddy Up traditional match program. We are happy to announce that as of November 2010, we are able to accept Big Brother applications from volunteers who are interested in being matched in the Nepean or Barhaven area.

2. My references are all from out of town, how does that impact my application?
You are responsible for providing the required references. Our staff will send a standard questionnaire to your references regardless of their residency.

3. How long of a commitment do I need to make?
That depends to which program you are applying. We ask for a school year commitment for our InSchool programs. Our group programs each have their own commitment time. The Traditional Match program requires a minimum of a one year commitment, however our hope is that successful matches will continue past that point.

4. Can my partner be involved with the match?
The relationship is a one-to-one mentoring relationship between the Volunteer and the Little, however there is a Couple's Match program for partners who want to share the experience of building a mentoring relationship with a child. Unfortunately at this time we are not able to accept applications for the Couple's Match program.

5. Instead of 1 outing for 2-4 hours can I plan 2 outings for 2 hours?
Yes, that is possible, however our Volunteers tell us that it's difficult and time consuming to arrange weekly meetings, we recommend one weekly outing as a practice.

6. I have a daughter; can we do our activities together?
No, as a general rule the relationship is a one-to-one mentoring relationship between the Volunteer and the Little. The occasional activity as an exception is acceptable.

7. What are some of the criteria for matching Volunteers with Littles?
We make every effort to match our Volunteer with the appropriate Little. We consider geography, age, interest, activity level and social history.

8. I don't have a work reference, what am I suppose to do?
A work reference is preferred, but if not possible we recommend that you find someone who can speak to your work ethic and general character, a school teacher/professor is recommended.

9. Why are people rejected?
In determining whether to accept someone as Big Brother/Sister we have to err on the side of caution. There are many reasons why a candidate may not be accepted. Some of the reasons may be that:

•There may be too much else going on in your life to handle the commitment.

•Maturity level

•Unable to fully commit for a year

•Most rejections are not due to a character fault but because there is not a really good fit with the program

10. What if a match doesn't work, if the Volunteer and the Little are incompatible?
We make every effort to make the right match upfront, however there are times when the match doesn't seem to be working. The Mentoring Coordinator will help the Big, Little and Parent decide if it should continue, closure and rematching is always an option.

11. Can I spend more than the required 2-4 hours a week?
No, the Little Brother/Sister needs to nurture all of the other aspects of his/her life.

12. I understand how to deal with the LittleBrother/Sister, but how do I deal with the parent?
Accept and respect the parent for who they are. Remember that they make all of the decisions regarding their child. If you do not agree with their value system or their parenting skills, call your Mentoring Coordinator for support and advice. You are there for your Little Brother/Sister.

13. What is the procedure if I was a Big Brother/Sister volunteer with another Big Brother/Sister agency?
You have to go through the application and matching process again for a number of reasons:

•while all agencies follow national criteria, each agency may have different policies and application criteria

•the agency needs to develop a relationship between the Mentoring Coordinator and the applicant in order to make a proper match

•the personal information needs to be updated

•the Ottawa agency will need to contact the previous agency to obtain information on earlier matches

•the previous agency can be used as a reference, but due to the confidentiality of the information, they may or may not transfer your file or they may just send a synopsis. The Ottawa agency must be liable for volunteers even if the previous agency sends information. As a result, a new file must be made.