Making connections in your new community is easier than you think. There are many services, programs and events geared to help newcomers ease into their new life while they connect with new people. Many groups have formed online to create communities based on common interests, such as hiking, fishing, or simply being a newcomer. Here are 4 ways you can find a connection in your community.
1. Get your Public Library Card
Libraries in BC offer many events for newcomers to connect with others.
- Storytimes for babies and toddlers.
- Find English Conversation Groups.
Morning Coffee Clubs. - Bookclubs.
- Career and Employment Workshops.
- Workshops and events to learn about fishing.
- Events for seniors.
- And so much more…
Getting your library card is easy, it’s free, and it’s a great way to connect to your community.
2. Connect to Your Settlement Agency
Settlement agencies in BC help you build connections to your new community. They can help you with the English language, with employment, and offer settlement programs and services near you. Things like Multicultural Kitchens focus on food and culture sharing. A Walk With the Dragon in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park. Find the MY (Multicultural Youth) Circle for youth to connect with one another to share their stories and struggles of moving to a new country. Again, there is so much more. Find a settlement agency in your community and sign up for an event.
3. Volunteer
There are many volunteer opportunities throughout BC. Here, we have the Library Champions Project designed BY newcomers FOR newcomers. You can learn about library programs, events, and settlement services available to you and share this with your networks.
“Thank you for this incredible program, my first volunteer experience. During this, I learned that all over the world people want the same things and they have the same feelings. We are all different but very similar in human things. Slowly, Surrey and Canada are becoming my home.” – Past Library Champion
VolunteerBC offers a variety of other opportunities in communities throughout BC. CharityVillage is another resource to over 170,000 charitable and nonprofit organizations across Canada. Each volunteer opportunity connects you to others and helps you build your network.
4. Find an Online Group in an Area of Interest
Many people, just like you, have created communities online to connect offline. The Newcomers in Vancouver group is meeting for a Canada Day Potluck in Stanley Park. The Wildhorse Cycling Club plans group bike and mountain bike rides in the Kootenays. There are fishing clubs throughout BC and you can borrow a Fishing Explorepack, for free! Or join one of many hiking clubs. A simple online search will help you connect with others who share the same interests as you.
So, living in a new community doesn’t have to be an isolating experience. A little effort will bring you the connection you need to build your network. Reach out. Ask questions. And most of all, have fun ????.
