In order for an applicant to be considered for acceptance and as a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer, the applicant must possess, exhibit or demonstrate the following:
• Be 19 years old and out of high school for CB program.
• No history of deviant sexual behavior.
• Must have access to transportation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and submit a certificate of vehicle liability insurance.
• Possess ability to be a positive role model.
• Demonstrate maturity.
• Appropriate motivation to be a volunteer.
• Ability to make a one year commitment.
• Ability to establish and sustain close relationships.
• No major life changes within the past year or no anticipation of a major life change in the coming year. (See below)
• No recent criminal arrest or conviction within the past 5 years.
• No felony convictions in the past 5 years.
• The ability to reveal self during interview.
• No current addictions to drugs or alcohol.
• No serious emotional or psychological problems.
• Have the support of significant others to volunteer.
• The ability to accept responsibility and to follow through.
• Flexibility and openness.
• Have acceptable living conditions.
• Self- confidence.
• Acceptable grooming habits.
• Must have lived in service delivery area for at least 4 months prior to application to agency, unless the applicant is a college student.
The absence of any of these criteria/events will disqualify an applicant for volunteerism.
Major Life Changes
Due to the stress caused by major life changes, the agency will not approve a volunteer applicant until one year has passed after any of the following:
• The death of a spouse.
• The death of a child.
• Divorce or separation
• Recovery from substance abuse
