Everyone is a newcomer now.
In today’s world, many people feel disconnected — whether they’ve just moved or have lived in the same place for years. Community doesn’t happen by accident anymore. It requires people willing to initiate connection, create spaces to gather, and help others feel they belong.
The Welcome Committee is a modern revival of a simple idea: ordinary people, trained and supported, helping others re-enter community — one conversation and one gathering at a time.
In the 1950s, Welcome Committees were a quiet but powerful form of community infrastructure. Volunteers gave 10–15 hours each week to help neighbors find their place, build relationships, and feel at home.
That infrastructure has largely disappeared—and many of us are feeling the cost.
We’re reviving the Welcome Committee to rebuild the muscle of social connection and welcome people back into community. Joy, trust, resilience, and empathy are built locally. This is how we rebuild them, together.
The U.S. Chamber of Connection is seeking Founding Welcome Committee Volunteers in the Atlanta area to help shape and launch this initiative locally. This is an opportunity to be part of something early, meaningful, and deeply human.
What You’ll Do
As a Welcome Committee Volunteer, you’ll:
You’ll receive onboarding, training, and ongoing support — no prior facilitation or hosting experience required.
This is open to anyone ages 18+, anywhere in the United States.
You may be a great fit if you:
Coordination and learning happen virtually; conversations and gatherings are local and in person.
What to Expect Next
We are a national nonprofit working to restore connection and trust in America. We are founded and designed by Aaron Hurst, grandson of the architect of the Peace Corps, and the founder of the Taproot Foundation.