Volunteerism in BC: A Pathway to Integration and Success

Volunteer work is crucial in Canadian society, particularly in BC, for fostering community engagement, skill development, cultural integration, and personal growth. For newcomers, volunteering offers a valuable opportunity to learn about the working culture in BC while making meaningful contributions to their communities and enhancing employability.

In today's interview, we're privileged to host Nassreen Filsoof, the Founder of the Canada Iranian Foundation, and Ali Tootian from the Farhangian Educators Association. Both of these esteemed guests represent non-profit organizations that have made significant impacts through their work and have trained numerous volunteers in our society. Our conversation delves into the profound significance of volunteerism in British Columbia, with a special emphasis on its relevance for newcomers to the province.

Sherry inquired about the roots of volunteerism in Canada and its significance for community development. In response, Ali elaborated on the fundamental role volunteering plays in strengthening communities and enhancing the quality of life for all involved. He emphasized that dedicating time to volunteer work not only benefits others but also enriches one's own life. In Canadian society, the act of giving back to the community is deeply ingrained and widely respected, reflecting the collective commitment to social responsibility and mutual support.

Nassreen underscored that volunteer work embodies both community engagement and contribution, as well as skill development and enhancement. Through volunteering, individuals have the opportunity to cultivate crucial skills such as leadership, communication, project management, and teamwork, which hold value in both personal and professional spheres. Additionally, volunteering facilitates networking, cultural integration, and personal growth and well-being, making it a multifaceted avenue for enriching one's life and positively impacting society.

Nassreen and Ali both emphasized the vital role volunteer work plays for newcomers. They highlighted that volunteering offers newcomers a unique pathway to integrate into Canadian society and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and working norms. By actively participating in volunteer activities, newcomers can forge meaningful connections with community members, develop essential skills valued in the Canadian job market, and build a strong professional network. Moreover, volunteering enables newcomers to contribute to their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and fulfillment while also enhancing their resumes and increasing their chances of securing employment opportunities. Overall, Nassreen and Ali stressed that volunteer work serves as a pivotal bridge for newcomers, facilitating their successful adaptation to their new environment and empowering them to thrive in their adopted homeland.

Nassreen emphasized the vital role of volunteer work for the Iranian community and newcomers, highlighting its significance in facilitating integration into Canadian society, showcasing skills, building confidence, and fostering connections within the community, ultimately empowering individuals to navigate the challenges of immigration while maintaining a strong cultural identity.

They both shared inspiring anecdotes about their volunteers, recounting how some of them have transitioned from volunteering to securing rewarding employment opportunities, while others, particularly young volunteers, have pursued higher education and established successful careers, contributing significantly to the advancement of our society. Nassreen and Ali provided some helpful links for our viewers which is listed.

In conclusion, Sherry emphasized the incredible impact of volunteer work. She highlighted the inspiring stories shared by Nassreen and Ali, showcasing how volunteering transforms lives and strengthens communities. Sherry expressed gratitude for their efforts and encouraged everyone to embrace volunteerism, emphasizing its power to create positive change.

links provided:

https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/825-national-volunteer-week

https://volunteerstrategy.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/volunteer-centre.html

Guest speakers:

Nassreen Filsoof Founder of Canada Iranian Foundation

Ali Tootian from Farhangian Educators Association

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society