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.
Tip 1 |
If you’re not an expert in something, but you’d still like to help, don’t worry. Volunteer organizations will train you so you’ll know exactly what to do. |
Tip 2 |
Sometimes a volunteer job can lead to a real (paying!) job. Volunteering helps others, but organizations also need paid workers to help run everything. If you’re really good at what you do, you may be offered a job in the organization. |
Fun Fact!
We’re not sure this is true, but some volunteers we’ve spoken to say they’ve lost ten pounds since starting their volunteer jobs. If that’s true, sign us up!
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VOCABULARY
assets: advantages
balancing: holding something steady, so it won’t fall
boost one’s morale: make someone feel better about things
care center: a place where people’s needs (usually health) are met
carpentry: making beautiful things out of wood (or fixing them)
demonstrate: show
field: the industry or career you work in
food pantry: a place that keeps food items on hand for families that need groceries but can’t pay for them
get involved: become a part of something
getting back on one’s feet: trying to take care of one’s own needs without help
giving back: helping someone else, because you’re thankful for what you have
go-between: someone who works to help two groups understand each other and work together
good deed: something kind that you do for someone
helping out: doing something to make things easier for someone
homebound shut-ins: people who are sick and not able to leave their homes
homeless shelter: a place where people with no homes can sleep
honor: a privilege
knit: make something by weaving yarn or thread (sweaters and scarves are knit)
landscaping: arranging plants outside
limitless: no end
Meals-on-Wheels: a program that helps deliver food to people who need it
nursing home: a place for older people who need extra care and help
organization: a group that has a special purpose
running around: busy doing many things in a short time
running behind: late
rushing off: hurrying away
skill: ability to do something well
soup kitchen: a place that serves free meals to needy people
star: a famous leader in an industry
stay connected: keep learning about your interest
talent: a special ability
tray: large flat board or plate for holding things (like plates and glasses in a restaurant)
tutor: a special teacher for one person or a small group
twice: two times
volunteerism: the act of helping someone without expecting any pay or benefit
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