Apply by June 30!

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 Study Buddy program who will support girls and gender-diverse youth (aged 7-17) through academic role modeling to improve their school performance and reach educational goals. Mentors meet with their mentee for 1 hour per week for at least six months at a mutually convenient location (such as a library) to work on schoolwork.

During these sessions, mentors provide academic support, help set and achieve educational goals, and encourage the importance of staying in school. Matches can continue year-round, including through the summer, allowing mentors and youth to build a stronger connection over time.

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

See more here: hthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c7MpiE8HMw

Why volunteer as a Study Buddy 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 Study Buddy mentor, you can expect to grow alongside your mentee and develop many positive personal attributes and professional skills, including:

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

Mentoring is the thing that mentors 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

Next steps:

Big Sisters is accepting applications across the Lower Mainland, but are in high need of volunteers who live or are willing to travel to:
- New Westminster
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Surrey
- Vancouver
- Richmond