Pranav Kohli is an anthropologist with a background in research, teaching, and fundraising. After actively participating in the Canada InfoNet program in July 2023, he arrived in Canada and volunteered virtually with a not-for-profit organization, assisting with grant writing. Now working as a Communications and Resource Development Coordinator at the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, he collaborates with volunteers and also contributes as a volunteer for Khalsa Aid Ottawa. To celebrate International Volunteer Day, he shares insights on the value of volunteering for newcomers in this article.
Volunteering is an invaluable pathway for newcomers to Canada as they navigate settling into a new country. Volunteering is a meaningful way to form organic connections, and understand the local culture. As someone who has moved to Canada recently and seen how volunteering impacts individuals and communities, I can attest to its benefits.
Building a Network and Forming Friendships
One of the most significant challenges newcomers face is building a network from scratch. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people and establish friendships with those who share similar values and interests. Whether volunteering at a local food bank or supporting a community event, volunteers interact with a diverse range of individuals. These relationships can extend beyond volunteer activities, providing a foundation for personal support and potential professional connections. A network built through shared service can be one of the most authentic and enduring types of relationships.
Becoming Part of the Community
Volunteering is not just about giving time; it’s about becoming an active participant in the fabric of the local community. By engaging in volunteer work, people embody the change they wish to see. At a time when people across Canada are experiencing economic hardship, volunteering can be a meaningful way of supporting the local community while fostering a sense of belonging. For me, working at the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation and collaborating with our partners and volunteers has been a profoundly humbling and inspiring experience. I have witnessed firsthand the resilience of our communities, and the collective power of people committed to making a difference.
Honing Skills and Building Work Experience
As a participant of the Canada InfoNet pre-arrival program, I learnt that volunteering provides newcomers with an opportunity to develop and refine valuable skills that can be essential for career transitions or exploring new fields. It serves as a strategic entry point for gaining Canadian work experience and adapting to the expectations of the local job market. My own experience volunteering remotely with an NGO soon after arriving in Canada is a testament to this. As a volunteer grant writer, I was able to leverage my academic writing skills and adapt them to non-academic grant writing, while contributing my time to an organization whose mission I deeply believed in. These experiences can prove invaluable when entering the job market, as they demonstrate initiative and a willingness to contribute beyond personal gain.
Volunteering provides newcomers with an opportunity to develop and refine valuable skills that can be essential for career transitions or exploring new fields.
Volunteering Could Open Doors to Employment (But Don’t Expect it)
While the primary goal of volunteering should always be altruistic, it’s worth noting that nonprofits deeply value their volunteers. In some cases, this appreciation can open unexpected doors. For example, a friend of mine who had been volunteering his expertise as a designer and photographer was recently offered a part-time position in the organization’s volunteer engagement program. This opportunity arose as a direct result of his dedication and the valuable contributions he made. While this kind of transition from volunteer work to paid employment is extremely rare and should never be expected, it illustrates how sustained commitment and showcasing one’s skills can sometimes lead to unexpected professional opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, volunteering provides newcomers to Canada with an excellent opportunity to network, integrate into their local communities and make a meaningful difference. It’s a commitment that benefits both the individual and the community, creating a cycle of positive impact. By embracing volunteering, newcomers can find their place in their new home, not just by adapting to the environment but by actively contributing to and shaping it.
