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Ukrainian Dancers Alberta, along with Canada as a whole, harbours a population that is becoming increasingly diverse and multi-cultural. Volunteerism can play an important role in helping individuals of all backgrounds become full participants in the economic, social and cultural life of the province. The voluntary sector provides resources to people who might otherwise be held back from gaining the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship by reasons of language, religion, or ethnicity. Volunteerism has the ability to give people who feel themselves to be on the "outside" of Alberta’s society the opportunity to become an integral part of the life of the province.

This dynamic can work in two ways. The first is through voluntary organizations that exist to promote the ease of assimilation within the province. An example of this might be a program that assists new immigrants overcome language barriers and assists with the finding of housing or employment. One such case is that of Lethbridge Family Service’s Immigrant Support Program, whose goal is to promote the independence and integration of immigrants within the community. In this instance, the individual is receiving volunteer help to overcome difficulties that might exist as a function of his or her background.


Volunteerism is not unique to any one culture. The following paper provides an interesting glimpse into "how different cultures generally understand volunteering."
The Changing World of Volunteer Management: A practical Guide to Cultural Diversity in Management by Lillas Skinner, Diane Fisher, Keith Seel, and Li Zahnd.


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