Mentor (PRISM for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth)

Organization Details
Organization Name: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg
Address: 532 Ellice Avenue
Winnipeg MB  R3B 1Z2
Website: http://www.bigwinnipeg.com/en/Home/default.aspx
Organizational Description: Established in 1969, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg is a registered charity located on Treaty One Territory in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg. For over 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg has facilitated youth mentoring programs that inspire and power children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens.

Our individual (one-on-one) and group mentoring programs provide youth with a mentor, friend, and role model, establishing a unique and life-changing relationship. In turn, youth develop their minds to overcome adversities such as detrimental living conditions, family violence, declining mental health, school issues and identity challenges.

With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth are%u202Freminded they can be anything they dream of being.

We are a part of a nationally recognized Federation comprised of 95 member agencies servicing more than 1,100 communities across Canada. Together, we mobilize over 21,300 volunteers who, in turn, mentor 41,700+ children and young people. That is roughly 2.2 million volunteer hours recorded each year.
Volunteer Opportunity Details
Volunteer Opportunity ID: 3487
   
Description of Duties:

PRISM is an innovative mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Winnipeg.

The first of its kind in Manitoba, the PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a one on one mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a friendship that is supportive, empowering and fun!

The PRISM program requires volunteers to commit to one outing per week, for a couple of hours. Mentors and mentees are asked to commit for a minimum of one year.

The purpose of a PRISM match is to:

- Provide role models for LGBTTQ2IA* children and youth
- Foster pride and self-confidence
- Create inter-generational connections within Winnipeg's 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Offer LGBTTQ2IA* children and youth a safe adult mentor to discuss identity with
- and above all, have fun!

The LGBTTQ2IA* community has a rich legacy of forging informal mentoring networks as a mode of survival. Today, the community has made great strides, yet LGBTTQ2IA* youth continue to face barriers. Research shows that formal mentoring programs are a powerful, protective factor for this demographic as they develop their own unique sense of self.

Volunteer mentors are extensively screened and properly trained before they are matched. Each match receives the ongoing support of a professional caseworker through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.

   
Skills Required:

Identify as 2SLGBTQ+
Be 18 years old or above
Provide a satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector clearance
Provide three or four satisfactory references
Vehicle and valid Manitoba Driver's license is preferred (to accommodate transportation on outings)
Respect the confidential nature of our services and sign a confidentiality agreement
The ability to be creative and flexible in establishing activities with youth
Be trustworthy, energetic, mature, stable, reliable, accepting, patient, caring and respectful of others
Be supportive and non-judgmental in your interactions with children and youth
Promote the welfare and safety of the child or youth
Act with integrity
Be comfortable with the Big Brother Big Sister of Winnipeg's core values, policies and procedures

   
Skills Gained/Related Careers:

Improve experience surrounding youth mentorship and engagement
Gain experience and expand knowledge of 2SLGBTQ+ child development
Satisfaction of contributing to the improvement of child / youth quality of life
Acquire experience related to career goals such as social work, education, health care, and social sciences.

   
Age: 18-30, 31-54, 55+
Time Commitment:
Evening
Weekend

2 to 4 hours per week in the evenings or weekends for a minimum commitment of one year. Meeting times will be scheduled depending on the availability of both the volunteer/mentor and the child/youth.

Location of volunteer opportunity: Winnipeg
- Downtown
Does opportunity require a criminal record check? Yes
Will cost be reimbursed? No
Does opportunity require a child abuse registry check? Yes
Will cost be reimbursed? Yes
Opportunity is available to candidates that: General Populace
Organization will provide: A letter of reference
Supervision
Training/Orientation
By request
How to Apply: Email: bbbswpg@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Phone: 204-988-9200
Online: winnipeg.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/volunteer/
Closing Date: Dec 31, 2026

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b) Check your junkmail / spam folder!

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