We all want to be welcoming but sometimes we are not sure how to be welcoming to people from different countries and cultures. Here are some ideas and resources for how to be a Welcomer.
• Learn some common phrases in the newcomer’s language.
• Share tips for daily life, such as types of local medical services.
• Attend immigrant-hosted events.
• Explore immigrant-owned restaurants and stores.
• Spend time talking with newcomers who want to improve their English skills.
• Improve your understanding of the new cultures in your community.
• Invite newcomers to your own cultural and community events.
19 Characteristics of a Welcoming Community
- Access to Affordable, Adequate, and Suitable Housing
- Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities
- Access to Suitable Health Care, Including Mental Health Care
- Positive Attitudes Toward Immigrants of All Racial, Cultural, and Religious Backgrounds
- Access to Immigrant-Serving Agencies that Meet Immigrants’ Needs
- Access to Transportation
- Educational Opportunities
- Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
- Access to Services and Supports for French-Speaking Immigrants
- Immigrant-Responsive Municipal Features and Services
- Coordination and Collaboration Among Community Organizations and Different Levels of Government Working Toward Welcoming Communities
- Equitable Neighbourhoods
- Opportunities to Form and Join Social and Community Networks
- Immigrant-Responsive Police Services and Justice System
- Positive Indigenous-Immigrant Relations and Understanding
- Access to Diverse Religious and Ethnocultural Organizations
- Civic and Political Participation Opportunities
- Equitable Media Coverage, Representation, and Content
Helpful resources
Check out our Connecting Communities Guide & Toolkit for helpful information on understanding barriers to inclusion and how to overcome them.
We also have a 3 part video workshop based on the Guide and Toolkit