How to Become an Active Member of Your New Community

Getting involved in your new community will open both personal and professional doors and will make your transition an easier and more meaningful process. There are several outlets for becoming active in your new city.

• Contact your local municipality or chamber of commerce to see what networking groups or committees they offer. Often times, chambers will have young professional groups, networking events, and other committees in which citizens can join. They sometimes require you to join the chamber for a fee, while other programs are free to the public.
• Volunteer. Find an organization or association that interests you, and volunteer some of your free time to help in whatever capacity they allow. If you are an animal lover, volunteer to walk dogs at the local animal shelter or humane society. Build houses for the less fortunate if you are handy. Volunteer at your place of worship. Visit www.volunteermatch.org or www.idealist.org for additional ideas on participating in community service. Lending a helping hand can be a rewarding experience and can aid in meeting friends.
• Utilize online sites such as Meetup or Yahoo Groups to locate people in your community that share your interests. These groups are usually free to join and include all sorts of hobbies and pastimes that may appeal to you.
• If you have children, visit the public library for story times and other free events. Join a “mommy and me” class if you are a stay-at-home mom and want to meet other mothers. These are offered at YMCAs, gym, and dance studios and allow you to become as active as you desire.

Feel free to speak with your transition coach on additional ways to actively join your community. They are knowledgeable in many aspects of acclimation and career networking and can offer insight into easing your way into the new area.