Volunteering, Networking & Mentoring

Volunteering is a way to gain skills, practice speaking and writing English, and meet people. You can build social networks, gain Canadian work experience, and give to the community.

When you volunteer, you do work without pay. Volunteering can lead into a full-time job. To find a volunteer placement in Chatham-Kent visit:

• United Way’s Volunteer Centre

• Kent Association of Volunteer Coordinators

• the Youth Volunteer Initiative of Chatham-Kent

• Ask your place of worship for suggestions

• Walk into a place you want to volunteer for and ask if they need help

• After you have volunteered for an agency, make sure to ask for a reference.

To learn more about volunteering go to:

• Your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer

• Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration's volunteerism

• Pillar Non-profit Network's volunteering for New Canadians

Networking

A social network is one of your best tools to help you find a job. Tell your friends about your job search and ask for their help.

Join a community organization or attend a Business After Hours event.

Online networking with the use of social websites and blogs is a good way to make new friends. It is a good way to promote your business as well.

Mentoring

Mentoring is an important tool of job searching. Mentors will help teach you want you need to know in the workplace. If you would like a mentor, contact the Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent.