Mentor (Ototema for Youth in Conflict with the Law)

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: 3488
   
Description of Duties:

Ototema is a program about friendship and restorative justice. You will be matched in a one-to-one relationship with a youth in conflict with the law, or at-risk of becoming formally involved. This program encourages youth to get involved with their communities, and ultimately make better choices by showing them why their community cares.

Youth in Ototema range between ages 7 -18 and participate voluntarily. Youth(s) may be referred from: the MB Turnabout prevention program, older youth on probation, and (at times) younger youth incarcerated at the Manitoba Youth Centre for non-violent offences.

Mentors in this program are interested in alternative models of justice, or those who simply believe that kids who are acting out are kids who most need a powerful relationship interventions. This program encourages youth to care about their community, and make better choices by showing them their community cares for them.

   
Skills Required:

Be 18 years of age or above
Previous experience/interest in alternative models of justice (outside incarceration)
Work cooperatively with staff in planning/coordinating activities appropriate for Ototema youth
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
Be able to build a developmental relationship with a child or youth
Be trustworthy, energetic, mature, stable, reliable, accepting, patient, caring and respectful of others
Maintain boundaries while providing a strong and beneficial mentoring relationship

Have a communicative, non-judgemental, and empowering attitude

Work cooperatively with staff in planning/coordinating activities appropriate for Ototema 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 procedure

   
Skills Gained/Related Careers:

Improve experience surrounding youth mentorship and engagement

Gain experience and expand knowledge of child development and restorative justice

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 during evenings or weekends for a minimum commitment of one year.
Outings occur out in the community or within our agency's activity space (located at 532 Ellice Avenue)

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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