Welcoming Ideas Bank

Little actions can make a big difference.

We’re compiling a list of simple, everyday action ideas here – actions that almost anyone can take to help someone who is new to the community feel welcome and included. Together, actions like these add up to a community where it’s easier to feel like you belong.

Have an idea to add to the list? Scroll to the bottom of this page and add your suggestion. We’d love to hear it!

Here are few small actions that can help make Cape Breton-Unama’ki more welcoming for newcomers:

  • join your local Welcome Group and/or spread the word about the Cape Breton Welcome Network!
  • greet someone who is alone at an event
  • be patient with language barriers
  • offer a welcoming smile
  • learn a few words in another language
  • speak sincerely
  • use your connections in the community to help newcomers find volunteer and employment opportunities
  • offer gifts to new neighbours – flowers, garden vegetables, muffins – any small gesture
  • introduce new friends to old friends
  • take time to learn a newcomer’s name, and the proper way to pronounce it
  • follow through when we invite new friends out
  • initiate conversations with folks on the playground or at community gatherings
  • examine biases
  • offer to show a newcomer around the community and help them find the services they need (check out our newcomer service map to get better acquainted with available services)
  • listen actively
  • offer contact information to a newcomer in case they need something
  • share information about how local services like garbage collection, day cares, and libraries work. Point them to welcometocapebreton.ca to learn more!
  • give shopping tips
  • encourage family and friends to attend multicultural events
  • offer to practice English or French with someone who is learning
  • give tips on where to find information on local events (newspapers, community bulletins, social media pages, etc.)
  • if you speak another language, let local settlement organizations know that you’re available for translation support
  • encourage your children to talk and play with newcomers in their class
  • invite newcomers to community events like parades, festivals, community meals, and concerts
  • invite newcomers to visit local museums and parks with you
  • encourage newcomers to join local volunteer boards
  • find opportunities to receive training in intercultural competency
  • connect new immigrants with your friends and colleagues who have similar professional backgrounds
  • encourage people you know to join the Connector Program!
  • talk to your family and friends about the benefits of immigration

Thanks to The World in Burnaby and the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership for helping to inspire this list!

Click here to submit an addition/edit to this page

Last Modified: December 10, 2021