Volunteer Opportunities

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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 St Albert!

Community-Based Mentoring

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+

PRISM

Volunteer applications for PRISM have been paused.

PRISM (Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety, Mentoring) is a an extension of our Community-Based mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Adult volunteers who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ are paired with a mentee who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+. The volunteer and mentee spend time together by participating in a variety of activities (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+

Youth In Care

Youth in Care is an extension of our Community-Based Mentoring program and is designed for young people who have current or previous involvement with Children Services and may be living in alternate arrangements, such as foster homes.  

Mentees: There are 2 age groups of mentees in this program.  

  • Age 6-15: Volunteers spend time with their mentee by participating in various activities, such as riding bikes, reading, cooking, going to the park, or going for ice cream. Matches will spend time together in their community at convenient times that work for them, typically in the evenings and on weekends. 
  • Age 16-24: Volunteers spend time with their mentee by supporting them through the different challenges and goals that come at these ages, from helping their mentee learn independent living skills (like resume building and money management) to simply hanging out, becoming friends and increasing their network of support. Matches will spend time together at times that work for both match members. This could include daytime visits depending on availability.  

Volunteer Mentors: Adults 18+

In-School Mentoring

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+

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 St. Albert, 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