Empowering Newcomers: How Volunteering Unlocks Opportunities and Builds Community
People volunteer for many reasons. To give back to their community. To help others. To form new relationships. And to gain experience in a field of interest. Volunteering therefore provides many benefits at the individual level, in addition to the benefits it can bring to the larger community. Volunteering is an avenue through which newcomers can enhance their quality of life in Canada. This article discusses some of the advantages of volunteering for immigrants.
Networking:
Volunteering provides a fantastic opportunity for networking, whether this is professional or personal. Volunteering might provide newcomers with the opportunity to connect with individuals working in a field of career interest. Or, on the other hand, volunteering can provide a great avenue for making friends and connecting with like-minded people in a new community. Either way, the networking opportunities created by volunteering provide newcomers with useful networking opportunities to create and expand their community after settling in Canada.
Gaining Experience:
The job market can be difficult for anyone to access. This can be especially true when settling in a new country. Volunteering provides a useful opportunity to gain experience and make connections related to a certain profession that may lead to job opportunities. Beyond gaining experience in a certain field, volunteering can help newcomers gain insights into Canadian workplace culture, hiring norms and provides opportunity for informal Q&A.
Creating a sense of belonging:
Giving back to the community you are a part of of is an effective way to foster a sense of belonging where you live. By feeling engaged and like you are making an impact you will likely feel closer to the space and community that you are learning to call home as a newcomer. Beyond making a positive impact, volunteering provides the opportunity to be social and have some fun!
There are of course many more ways that volunteering can enhance quality of life for newcomers - those offered here just begin to scratch the surface. Additionally, workplaces and community organizations benefit from recruiting newcomer talent because it expands their own network and fosters greater diversity in the workplace. Greater diversity leads to better knowledge mobilization, creative idea generation and a more inclusive culture. Promoting volunteering in newcomer circles is a win-win for everyone involved!
If you are a newcomer that has volunteered in your community, comment below to let us know how this experience has enhanced your life. If you are a newcomer looking to volunteer, we are currently recruiting for a variety of positions with the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership. Learn more using the links below: