Volunteer Coach Application

Dear Applicant,

Thank you so much for expressing interest in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington’s (Club/BGCSW) Volunteer Program. 

Our Mission Statement: 

“To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.”

We are very excited to get to know you throughout the application process. Throughout this application, you will see the following:

• Club Overview
• Core Values
• Volunteer Coach Application
• Volunteer Expectation Form
• Volunteer Commitment Agreement
• COVID Consent Form
• Required Trainings & Document Uploads

In order to begin volunteer coaching all of these forms must be completed and returned along with a copy of your COVID vaccine card. In addition to the documents in this packet, you will be required to complete mandatory training on an annual basis in order to stay in compliance with Boys & Girls Club policies and procedures. 

Please keep in mind that all minor volunteers, those under 18 years old, are required to get parental or guardian approval and signatures before submitting any application documents. 

Sincerely,

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington

BGCSW prohibits discrimination against applicants on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. BGCSW is an equal opportunity employer.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Affiliation
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous organizations that work to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Our Clubs are part of the Pacific Region of BGCA, headquartered in Long Beach, California. As of 2016, there are over 4,300 Clubs in the BGCA system with locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and on U.S. military bases around the world.

As a volunteer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington you are encouraged to set up an account with the BGCA national resource website at www.bgca.net. This website has detailed information about Boys & Girls Club operations, programming, and resources.

Boys & Girls Clubs of SW Washington
For over sixteen years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of SW Washington has been providing a safe, positive environment for our community’s most vulnerable youth. We’re one of the only agencies in Clark County to offer daily, affordable after-school and summer programs, with a special focus on children who are impacted by poverty. Today, more than 2,700 youth benefit from the caring adult guidance and rich variety of programs offered at our Clubs. Combined, our six sites serve an average of 660 members daily.

The Role and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
BGCSW opened their doors in 2000 as an independent non-profit corporation and a chartered affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The legal entity of the Club is the Board of Directors. The primary role of the Board is to establish organizational policy and strategic direction, safeguard and manage the Club’s resources, ensure legal and ethical integrity, ensure adequate funding for operating and managing the Club, recruit and orient new board members, and advance the Club’s public recognition.

A notable share of the Board of Directors’ time is spent raising funds for the Club. Club fees represent about 9% of the revenue required to operate the Club, the remaining 91% is raised through individual and business contributions, grants, and investments. Generally, the Board conducts an evening event in the summer and a lunch campaign in the fall.

Put Youth First

When it comes time to making decisions, we prioritize the impact on youth above all else. We are at our best and most impactful when we do right by those who need us most.

Care Deeply & Engage Fully

We approach every interaction with kindness, compassion, and respect - we genuinely care about people and show it. We create welcoming and inclusive environments and are laser-focused on making things better.

Empower & Be Empowered to Create Positive Change

Members of the Club community are trusted to act, reflect, and grow with the support of others. We believe in personal and organizational development. We are resourceful and make the best out of every situation. We are clear about our needs and respond with flexibility to make things work when necessary.

Collaborate & Listen

We do not seek to be right and go our own path, but rather collaborate to get to the right answer together with different perspectives heard and valued.

Follow Through On Your Commitments

We earn the trust of kids and families, of each other, and of the community by delivering on our promises. Members of our interconnected Club community do what we say and hold each other to the highest standards.

Act Like Youth Can See You

We are authentic, honest, and transparent; we strive to do the right thing every day, every time.

In order to volunteer with BGCSW, you must: be at least 16 years of age, agree to an annual background check, commit to a consistent schedule of service, and complete annual training on Boys & Girls Club policies and procedures.

Boys & Girls Clubs Southwest Washington conducts criminal background checks of all volunteers, including partners and minors, who have direct repetitive contact with youth.

All background check findings shall be considered when making volunteer decisions, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington will not engage potential volunteers if such individual:

• Refuses to consent to a criminal background check.
• Makes a false statement in connection with such a criminal background check.
• Is registered, or is required to be registered, on a state or national sex offender registry.
• Has been convicted of a felony consisting of:
  • Murder
  • Child abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Abduction or human trafficking
  • A crime involving rape or sexual assault
  • Arson
  • Weapons
  • Physical assault or battery
  • Drug possession, use or distribution in the last five years
• Has been convicted of any misdemeanor or felony against children, including child pornography.

I certify that all statements made in this application are true and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or omission of material fact may result in my application being rejected; or, if I have been offered a position as a volunteer, in my offer being withdrawn. I also agree to submit my Social Security Number and other personal information required for the purpose of a background check (Required).

By your signature below, you hereby authorize us to obtain a background check, and/or an investigative report about you, and acknowledge that your application process will not be complete until you have received clearance by the Volunteer Coordinator. Any volunteer work will be conditioned upon the receipt of a satisfactory report.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington. This information is provided for your safety as well as for the protection of the children you will be working with. Please review this carefully and ask any questions that may arise. We want the time you spend volunteering to be a positive experience for all. Some roles will have additional expectations that will be discussed during the onboarding process.

Relationships: For the protection of all, the relationship(s) between you and any youth you may become acquainted with must be kept appropriate at all times. Continuing your volunteer relationship through out-of-Club contact is not permitted. Appropriate touching includes: handshakes, high five’s, side hugs. These are the only safe and friendly ways to touch a child while volunteering. For some children, even these gestures may be unwelcome. No child should be subject to unwelcome touching no matter how well intended. 

Communication: You are a role model. Your conversation with youth should demonstrate respect for others and avoid language that may be perceived as discriminatory, profane, sexist, or offensive. No youth should ever be treated differently, spoken to disrespectfully, or denied services on the basis of race, religion, disability, age, national origin, or for any other reason. In addition, volunteers cannot encourage or promote religious, political, or other beliefs to youth. You are here to listen, build skills, and help youth navigate their environment. Additional tips for ways to communicate positively with youth will be provided.

Confidentiality: As a volunteer, you must respect and maintain confidentiality in regard to personal information obtained regarding a child or their family with certain exceptions. Reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, sexual harassment, illegal or dangerous activities should be shared with Club Directors. Be assured they will follow up on the information. Do not photograph youth or post information about youth on social media.

Discipline: Any discipline of a student should be left up to a staff member. Physical punishment is never permitted.

Volunteer Trainings: Specific training for the program you will be working in and instructions on how you will communicate should also be provided. All mandatory training requirements are fulfilled annually.

I have read and understand the expectations detailed above:

Basketball Coach - 9 - 18 week Commitment 3 hours per week

Volunteer Coaches with our BGC Basketball League oversee and manage a team of 8-10 youth in a 8 week league. Practices are held once a week for 1-1.5 hours. Games are scheduled Fridays or Saturdays once a week. Coaches are encouraged to keep their practices focused on the development of skills and inspire a love for the sport.  

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and health agencies recommend social distancing.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington has been cleared to bring volunteers back. We provide essential services in the community and have put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, the Club cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, volunteering onsite at Club could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read and understand the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that you may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by volunteering onsite at Club, and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death.