Be that person in a kid’s corner.

Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland is looking for caring volunteer mentors for our 1:1 Big Sisters Mentoring program who will support youth (girls and gender-diverse young people ages 7 to 17) through guidance, encouragement, and positive role modelling to build self-confidence. Mentors meet with their mentee for 2-4 hours once a week for at least one year.

In the Big Sisters Mentoring program, you will be matched with a single youth, allowing you to build a deep, personalized relationship. Activities can range from casual outings to focused discussions, making it a versatile option for both mentors and mentees.

This opportunity is for:

•      individuals who enjoy building strong, lasting relationships and want to make a direct impact on a single youth’s life.

•      those who prefer personalized interactions and are excited to support the unique goals and challenges of their mentee.

•      volunteers who can commit to spending time with their match weekly for an extended period of time

Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyIgEUHgM9M

Why volunteer as a Big Sister mentor?

As many as 1 in 3 children in Metro Vancouver don’t have a single adult in their life that they can turn to for help. A positive relationship with an adult is the single most important factor in a child’s ability to overcome life’s challenges and reach their full potential. Imagine, the world of possibilities that open up when a child has someone that they can turn to.

Becoming a mentor lets you build meaningful connections with youth while enhancing your leadership and communication skills. You’ll join a supportive community passionate about making a difference and experience the joy of empowering the next generation.

As a Big Sister mentor, you can expect to grow alongside your mentee and develop many positive personal attributes and professional skills, including:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Cultural awareness
• Empathy
• Conflict Resolution
• Working well under pressure
• Quick decision making
• Gain experience working with youth

Mentoring is the thing that Big Sisters often express brings meaning into their lives.

Watch A Day in the Life of a Big Sisters Mentor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUAUbCyAS84&t=2s

The support and opportunities for growth you can expect from Big Sisters:

• intentional, careful and deliberate matching with a mentee based on shared interests, lived experiences, location and availability
• mentor training
• 1:1 monthly check ins and caseworker support throughout the duration of your mentoring relationship
• ongoing opportunities to: connect with other mentors and mentor matches, access community activities, events and opportunities, and attend workshops for further personal and professional growth

Qualifications:

• Be 19 years or older and identify as a woman, non-binary, transgender, or gender-diverse individual
• Have been a Canadian resident for at least one year (or provide an International Criminal Records Check)
• Submit a Driver’s Abstract if you plan to drive youth in your car
• Have an interest in building a positive relationship with youth aged 7–17

Big Sisters is accepting applications across the Lower Mainland, but we are in high need of volunteers who live or are willing to travel to:

- New Westminster (Sapperton, Douglas College area, Tipperary Park)
- Burnaby (Brentwood)
- Coquitlam (Austin Heights, Burke Mountain, Coquitlam Town Centre)
- Surrey (Newton, North East Clayton)