In Vancouver, BC, actively engaging and volunteering in the community is a civic imperative, especially for newcomers. It's the key to success, helping individuals navigate work and settle into the country. Active participation not only fosters belonging but also opens doors for personal and professional growth, making it a vital pathway for thriving in our community. Poran Poregbal and Samira Gholami, the volunteer hosts for Today TV, explore the importance of reaching out to our communities to develop connections. Sharing ideas with newcomers and our community members to promote volunteerism and community work is a vital civic issue.

Poran and Samira talked with the guest, Soheyla Saleh, who is a volunteer for a community group that was established two years ago after the restrictions of COVID-19 were lifted. Soheyla, who has lived in Vancouver, BC, for about 17 years, has always looked forward to serving her community, and as a new immigrant, she has had her own stories of loneliness. When her friends approached her about getting together and inviting other community members to join for small get-togethers. Soheyla talks about how this group has over a hundred members and plans for small day trips, walks, and activities that create happiness. Gradually, this group has become a source of hope, connection, and resiliency for many newcomers to join. This group gets together in one person’s house, which has become a place for everyone. From small activities, now they have various classes such as singing, art, music, and self-development programs.

Poran shared her learning from research done by Sveen et al. (2023) on how volunteering helps newcomers build connections with mainstream society. Poran asked the guest about her view on how volunteering helps us find our sense of self and connections with others.

Soheyla shared her points of view on how she feels happier when doing all her volunteer work to develop connections in their group and believes that developing a model for community groups would help encourage others in their communities to get together and build relationships.

Poran and Samira invite the public to join this program. May they like to share their own stories of adjusting and improving in their mainstream communities.

Volunteer Hosts:

Poran Poregbal MA, RSW, RCC Doctoral Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Samira Gholami, BA, MA Candidate Psychotherapist, Co-Founder, Director of Operations Member of (CCPA)

Producer and Journalist:

Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society