I’m aged 17 or under Archives - Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver

The Roots Mentoring program provides children in grades 1-6 with a Teen Mentor that will act as a positive role model and friend in their learning. Matches meet in a group setting and are supported by a Mentoring Coordinator.

The Teen Mentors in the Roots Mentoring program also participate in the Youth Leadership component of the Teen Mentoring program, which empowers and encourages them to be leaders, and engages the youth in skill-building workshops, group facilitation, and public speaking opportunities, and community events.

The Roots mentoring program requires a weekly one-hour commitment of mentoring after-school and consistent participation in Youth Leadership, throughout the school year.

Roots Mentoring amplifies and celebrates Indigenous cultures 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.

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.

Who can be a Teen Mentor?

All genders in grade 9-12
Any student in Greater Vancouver

Who can be a Little Buddy?

All genders in grade 1-7
Any student in Greater Vancouver

What are the requirements?

1 hour/week
1 school year commitment
1-to-1 time

The Benefits to the Volunteer

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.

Interested in Joining?

Simply click on one of the buttons below.

For more information regarding enrolling your child into this program, please contact Danielle Olson, Roots Program and Curriculum Lead and Supervisor at danielle.olson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, or via phone at 604-802-8839.

VOLUNTEER

ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON

VOLUNTEER

ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON

The Teen Mentoring program provides children in grades 1-7 with a Teen Mentor who is a positive role model and friend. We create one-to-one Mentor and Mentee Matches, who spend time getting to know one another, while in a group setting supported by a Mentoring Coordinator.

The Teen Mentor and Mentee build a bond and friendship by engaging in activities such as board games, sports, or just hanging out. The focus of the program is to enhance the Mentee’s self-esteem and confidence. In addition, our Teen Mentors also benefit from improved leadership skills and their interest in volunteerism.

All of our mentors in this program receive further opportunities for learning through our Youth Leadership initiatives. This program aims to further support teens in our programs and to offer them additional opportunities to develop leadership skills that they can apply in their everyday lives. These leadership skills include conflict resolution, activity planning, career planning, mindfulness, and child development. We have seen these youth who are given additional training able to mentor more effectively and receive more life skills through a higher level of participation in their program.