(for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth of all genders in grades 9-12; at participating schools only)
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver currently provides leadership opportunities for all youth at select schools. Youth are empowered to be leaders and mentors to elementary school children in an after-school program.
The Roots Program is a fun after-school program where Big and Little Buddies will connect and share knowledge through mentorship. We will amplify and celebrate Indigenous culture while learning from the experiences and teachings of Indigenous community leaders and honoured guests.
We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to take part in fostering an environment of curiosity and dialogue to learn from one another and from our honoured guests.
Open to youth in Grades 9 – 12, at select schools. The Roots Program runs once a week for one hour after school, for the duration of the school year. The Little Buddies are in elementary school from Kindergarten to Grade 7.
We’re currently offering this program to students at Templeton Secondary and Hastings Elementary in Vancouver and New Westminster Secondary and Lord Kelvin Elementary respectively.
To Apply:
Either click here to fill out our online application, or alternatively contact Danielle at danielle.olson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, and we’ll send you an application that you can send back to us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Benefits to You
- Gain volunteer hours towards graduation
- Develop leadership skills and build your resume
- Make new friends
- A fun way to make a huge impact in your community
The Benefits to the Child
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved decision-making skills
- Improved ability to express feelings
- Less likely to bully or be bullied.
There is currently a list of children in Greater Vancouver who are waiting for a Big Buddy; you can help change that by volunteering today.
The Roots Program is inspired and informed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At BBGV we continue to build a foundation on which strong and collaborative relationships can grow between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, mentors, staff and community partners.