VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

In order to be qualified to serve as a volunteer the applicant:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must make a commitment to spend consistent meaningful time with a student for at least one year except
  when unforeseen circumstances interrupt this degree of regularity, such as vacations, illness or business,
   in which case the mentor will let the student and staff know there will be an interruption.

• Must not use any illegal drugs.

• Must not use or be around others who use alcohol while in the presence of the student.

• Must agree that depending on the circumstances, previous or pending charges or certain traffic offenses may be deemed cause for disqualification.

• Must comply with the program's application and screening process.

• Must be willing to provide other pertinent information such as references, employer, other records, etc. needed to meet qualification criteria.
  
  

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The volunteer application process is one that has several steps. Here is how it works!

•  A completed volunteer application must be submitted to the BCP office or a BCP staff member.

•  A background check and reference check to validate information.

•  Applicants must attend BCP volunteer training workshops. Applicants must attend a least one training session
    before they can begin in the schools.

•  If mentoring, applicants will be matched with students based on their preferences, characteristics, etc.

•  If tutoring, applicants will be matched based on their availability and the student's availability.

•  An initial meeting with the student will be arranged.

•  Applicants must attend all mandatory training and feedback sessions to remain eligible.

GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS

DO's

• Have faith that you can make a positive difference in the life of a child who otherwise might be doomed to failure.
• Keep track of the dates and times you visit your student. Make sure you sign the BCP log book.
• Always look for the good. Be positive in all situations.
• Inform your student of your next meeting and notify them if you can't make it.
• Call the school before going to make sure your student is there.
• Try to understand how the student feels. Express concern.
• Observe school rules.
• Ask for help if needed from BCP staff.
• Keep your volunteer commitment.
  

DONT's

• All sessions are held on school premises during school hours. BCP will however schedule activities, with the prior permission from the parents, for mentors and mentees. Any other after school or weekend activities must be strictly arranged between the mentor and the parent .
• Do not go into the student's home or allow them in yours unless you have parental consent.
• Contact should not be in an isolated place.
• Do not lend money ! Gifts are discouraged; however rewards may be given in the form of educational materials that will assist with school work.
• Refrain from threatening or intimidating your student.
• Do not miss a volunteer session unless it's an emergency.
• Do not put down a student or allow a student to put others down.
• Do not interrupt a class unnecessarily.
• Do not criticize a teacher in front of a student or a student in front of a teacher.
• Do not try to assert authority or force with the student, but be FIRM in your expectations. If you get into a problem situation go together to see the administrator or counselor.
• Do not keep the students(s) overtime.
• INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY: DO NOT BREAK CONFIDENCE UNLESS YOU HAVE TOLD THE STUDENT THAT CERTAIN KINDS OF INFORMATION MUST BE SHARED BY LAW. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT TO THE PROPER AUTHORITY ANYTHING SAID OR OBSERVED THAT YOU BELIEVE MAY BE HARMFUL TO YOUR STUDENT OR SOMEONE ELSE.