The first of four training sessions aimed at providing people with volunteer and leadership skills will take place at the Weyburn Public Library on Saturday, March 4th.

The sessions have been arranged through the auspices of the Southeast Newcomer Services, the Mulitcultural Council of Saskatchewan, and SaskCulture.

While the title of the program is lengthy - Integrating Newcomers with Volunteer Opportunities to add Leadership Value through Education (INVOLVE) - its purpose is short and simple; helping train newcomers to feel comfortable enough to serve on boards and committees.

It's not just for newcomers. Everyone, including longtime residents of Weyburn, is invited.

However, Jhaldair (Jay) Roye of the Newcomer Services says the goal is to help newcomers feel more comfortable with the idea of volunteering for boards and committees. "Because a lot of newcomers will say, and think, I don't know what to do. I don't have any experience with being a board. So they feel it's beyond their capability, not realizing, that with proper training, you can do anything."

"I believe this program is important for the community because it offers individuals the opportunity to gain experience, it also is an opportunity to give back to the community, to develop individuals network or establish community connection, and to develop one's leadership skills," added Roye.

Saturday's session will begin at 10:00 AM, and run until 4:00. If you have not registered, drop-ins are welcome, and a lunch will be served.

The other three sessions will be held later in the month: 

March 9th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

March 16th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

March 23rd from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM

A certificate will be provided to those who complete all four sessions.

For further information and to register, call (306)637-4920 or e-mail jhaldair.newcomerserv@sasktel.net.