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. |
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| Volunteer Opportunity Details | |
| 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 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 |
| 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, 2023 |
