News & Resources
This World Refugee Day, learning something new about refugee resettlement
Today is World Refugee Day! First held by the United Nations in 2001, World Refugee Day honors refugees and “celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape persecution” (UNHCR). Welcoming America recently hosted a series of webinars with Boston University on refugee resettlement strategies to…
Celebrating #ImmigrantHeritageMonth through food, history, and belonging.
Dauda Sesay immigrated to the US after fleeing his war torn country of Sierra Leone at the age of 16. Dauda is the Vice-Chair of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors and an Honorary Delegate. Cassava is one of Africa’s most versatile foods and is widely consumed in North, East, South, and Western Africa. Its…
Resettlement Strategies: Learning from National Examples & Local Actors
Presented by Welcoming America and Boston University, this two-part webinar provides a broad understanding of how the resettlement system works in the United States, how it differs from other systems, and what challenges it has undergone over the past three years. Part one of this series took place on May 26, 2021 and part two…
Engaging Public Sector Stakeholders to Prepare for Welcoming More Refugees
This webinar was hosted and organized by Switchboard on April 7, 2021. Switchboard is a resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States. Welcoming America staff presented on this timely topic using knowledge and examples from the Welcoming Network. Speakers: Christina Pope, Senior Network Director George Zavala, Western Regional Manager As refugee service…
Integrating Immigrants into Civic Life
Presented by the National Civic League, this webinar features Welcoming America’s Certified Welcoming Director Melissa Bertolo and two communities empowering immigrant leaders. The webinar covers innovative ways nonprofits, city, and county governments are including and welcoming immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life. Speakers: Melissa Bertolo, Certified Welcoming Director, Welcoming America Sabeen…
Fostering belonging, immigrant inclusion at the Welcoming Interactive virtual conference
From May 5-6, national nonprofit Welcoming America will host the 2021 Welcoming Interactive virtually. Featuring two plenary sessions and six sessions, the 2021 Welcoming Interactive will focus on inclusion, belonging, and healing from the past year of unprecedented challenges. All sessions are free and open to the public. Each will be livestreamed on Zoom via…
Forty-two nonprofit, local government leaders join community of practice to build more inclusive decision-making spaces
Welcoming America is pleased to announce the 42 participants selected for its Community of Practice (CoP) on inclusive and collaborative decision-making spaces. Representing nonprofit organizations and local governments across 32 states and the District of Columbia, the CoP convenes a diverse network of peers working to create more inclusive committees, boards, advisory councils, and commissions…
Statement on Chauvin verdict
Today’s decision in the Derek Chauvin trial is a long-awaited one for the family of George Floyd, as well as communities everywhere seeking justice in the ongoing struggle against systemic racism. At the same time, this verdict is just the first of many steps needed to build a truly just and welcoming society. This verdict…
New cookbook offers recipes, resources on strengthening community across differences
As world-renowned chef Josė Andrės once said, food has the power to evoke memories, bring people together, and transport you to other places. We eat for sustenance, but also to experience community and a sense of belonging by dining together. This universal sentiment is captured in Taste of Belonging: A Collection of Recipes and Ways…
Taste of Belonging Cookbook
The presence of food sets the table for conversation and curiosity — two essential ingredients for building community among people who have different backgrounds and identities. Under the right conditions, food can be a positive entry point for activities and initiatives that decrease prejudice between different groups. Welcoming America created this cookbook as a tool…