Series - Editorial Fellowship: Transforming Volunteerism and Work

Newcomers are critical to strengthening and growing Canada’s volunteer ecosystem. Here are four common barriers and how to make newcomers feel welcome.

Author Brennan Doherty
The Canadian government encourages newcomers to volunteer, but many find it difficult to participate.

Why It Matters

Two-thirds of volunteer-served organizations do not have enough volunteers to operate effectively, and volunteerism can help newcomers build a sense of community in Canada.

var TRINITY_TTS_WP_CONFIG = {"cleanText":"Newcomers are critical to strengthening and growing Canada\u2019s volunteer ecosystem. Here are four common barriers and how to make newcomers feel welcome.. This independent journalism is supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. See our editorial ethics and standards\u00a0here. Smita Akale\u2019s first volunteer position, at the age of 16, involved working with the children of sex workers in Mumbai\u2019s Kamathipura red-light district. Her job was to give these children food, play with them, and eventually help them enroll in school.\u00a0 Akale is a model volunteer. Her resume includes stints at nursing homes, mental health clinics, a life coaching institute, and with special needs children as a school councillor. She speaks English, Hindi, Marat

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