Do you believe in creating change locally through civic action and volunteerism?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce & West Simcoe (BBBSGBWS) is seeking energetic, dedicated volunteers to join our growing organization. We are a non-profit charity, providing mentorship services to youth ages 6-18 in both schools and communities. As a vibrant, collaborative, community-focused organization we believe in creating communities where young people belong and are empowered to unlock their potential.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Community-Based Volunteer

• Join us as a Mentor in our community-based volunteer program. Connect with a local youth (ages 6-18) in your community. Spend one hour a week engaging in fun, skill-building activities and make an impact! (One year commitment)

School-Based Volunteer

• School-based volunteers spend one hour weekly connecting with a group of Mentees (ages 6-16) within the school environment. Mentors are provided with programming that supports educational success. Join us as a school-based Mentor and make an impact! (Four month commitment)

Group-Based Volunteer

• Group program volunteers support the BBBSGBWS team in a variety of unique settings, including our Outdoor Wellness Program, Youth Council meetings and Big Bunch events. This position is great for students. (Flexible commitment)

Agency Volunteer

• With the BBBSGBWS team engage in fundraising support and be a BBBSGBWS brand ambassador. Join our team at local youth events, connect with children, youth, families and make an impact!

To volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you should:

• Be interested in developing a positive relationship with a local child or youth
• Promote the welfare and safety of children and youth and act with integrity
• Be trustworthy, energetic, mature, reliable, patient and respectful of others
• Be supportive and non-judgmental in your interactions with children and youth
• Be comfortable with BBBSGBWS's core values, policies and procedures
• Be cause-driven and believe in the power of civic engagement and community connection

What will be expected of me?

• Commit approximately one to two hours per week (this varies across programs)
• Commit for up to one year or as little as four months (this varies across programs)
• Complete pre-match training and screening to ensure the safety and security of children and youth
• Receive ongoing connection, training and support from BBBSGBWS
• Communicate openly and regularly with the parents/guardians
• Communicate openly and regularly with the BBBSGBWS Mentorship Coordinator team

BBBSGBWS is committed to recruiting a diverse group of volunteers that represent the communities we serve, while encompassing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from persons of color, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations.

Make a difference in your community by becoming a VON SMART® Exercise and Falls Prevention program volunteer!

The goal of VON’s SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together)® Exercise and Falls Prevention program is to enable adults 55+ to maintain independence, improve quality of life and to ultimately promote healthy aging. This functional exercise program can be found in various communities throughout Grey-Bruce. 
 
VON SMART and Falls Prevention classes are led by volunteers who VON trains (2 days of practical plus the theory) and certify. Weekly we offer over 50 Level 1 and Level 2 classes in Grey Bruce with over 1,000 participants! We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours a week (one class) but have flexible schedules for those who are away for long periods of time. We are looking for volunteer instructors for both levels of classes.

These classes are offered free of charge to participants within Grey Bruce communities.

To be a positive Mentor and friend for children or youth in a variety of group programs, with the potential to match individually with a child as a personal role model.

• Support and encourage kids as they grow
• Listen and provide advice when appropriate
• Role model appropriate behaviours and reinforce positive social skills

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) acts as a resource for the Youth Services staff at the Library in areas such as book selection, volunteer support, activity planning and promotion.

Leader
• Grooming and tack up of the horse
• Leading of the horse for warm-up
• Control of the horse during class
• Un-tack horse and cleanup of equipment
• Sidewalker
• Support the rider as necessary to balance
• Assist rider to complete skills as needed
• Assist leader with tack and cleanup

Be a positive adult role model for a child. For as little as one hour per week you can have a profound impact on a child's future.