Sometimes, the best way to make yourself at home in your new country is to get involved by helping out in the community. Actually, volunteerism is a very important value to Americans. We are aware that we have many advantages, and we value showing appreciation for this by sharing with others who may have less. Giving back doesn’t only mean giving things. It also means giving time, or sharing talent. The number of ways to help others is almost limitless. You might think, “I’m new here. What can I do?” Actually, newcomers have plenty to offer. In fact, the talents of people new to the United States have always been huge assets to the country. Your community needs you!

Where do you start? Well, what do you like to do? Do you sing in the shower? How about going to a nursing home and singing for the residents? They’ll love it (well, we hope they’ll love it), and if you sing in your native language, they may think you’re a world famous star! Can you knit? Do you enjoy carpentry? Do you know a lot about plants and landscaping? Libraries and large stores are always looking for people to demonstrate special skills for small groups of people. This is a great way to practice your English! Do you have special job experience? Sometimes it’s difficult to get the same kind of job in a new country that you had in your home country. A good way to stay connected is to volunteer in your field. Maybe you were in the health-care field. Hospitals and care centers would love to have you. Even if you just spend time talking to patients, you can boost their morale.

Don’t forget that your language is a talent, too! Lots of times people come to a hospital or town office with no English language skills at all. Maybe you could volunteer to be a go-between and help them explain what they need. There are plenty of families that want their children to learn another language. If you offer to tutor a child, you may find that your English skills get better, too.

Do you know where everything is in your community? Can you find your way around? A great way to discover new places, roads, and neighborhoods is to volunteer to drive seniors or patients to appointments and treatment centers. Homebound shut-ins often need help with grocery shopping or meals. Organizations need people to help with Meals-on-Wheels and other food assistance programs.

You may have more talents than you realize!

LIA: Alan! Where are you rushing off to?

ALAN: Yikes! It’s almost lunch time! I’m running behind!

LIA: Haha. You must really be hungry. I don’t remember you ever running around like a crazy person just to go to lunch! Are you meeting some friends?

ALAN: Well, see, that’s the thing. I’m not eating lunch. I’m serving lunch this afternoon.

LIA: Alan! I didn’t know you got a job as a waiter! What restaurant are you working at? I’m going tonight, just to watch you balancing trays!

ALAN: No, no, no! I’m not working as a waiter, Lia. I’m serving lunch at the soup kitchen this afternoon, and later I’m working at the food pantry. I decided I wanted to do something to help people in the community, and a friend told me the Gilmore Street Food Pantry needed some help. I help out there twice a week.

LIA: Alan, what is the Gilmore Street Food Pantry?

ALAN: It’s a great organization. They run a soup kitchen at the homeless shelter, and twice a week the food pantry is open on Gilmore Street for families in need. I feel lucky that my family has enough food to eat, so it’s an honor to help people who need some help while they’re getting back on their feet. And talking to them helps me with my English. Maybe they’re the ones who are doing the good deed.

Fun Fact!

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