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News

Announcing the 2025 Rural Welcoming Initiative Participants—Rural Communities Lead the Way

Rural America is changing. Across the country, we’re navigating shifting demographics, economic transitions, and growing divides. But rural leaders aren’t backing down—they’re embracing inclusion, opportunity, and connection. Since 2020, the Rural Welcoming Initiative (RWI) has provided nonprofits and local governments in rural places with the tools, resources, and support to make their communities more welcoming for…

Connected Communities, Government and Community Leadership
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Press Release Statement

More Communities #StandUpForWelcoming as the Welcoming Movement Takes the Spotlight

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2025 Decatur, GA — As fear and division escalate nationwide, mayors and community leaders are reaffirming their commitment to making their cities places of belonging, trust, and opportunity. Welcoming America celebrates the growing momentum for inclusive policies that strengthen local economies, create safer communities, and foster meaningful connections across differences. From…

Government and Community Leadership, Stories of Impact
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Statement

Communities Are Still Welcoming—Let’s Help Them Thrive

It’s been a tough week, with challenges that have shaken us to our core. This week’s inauguration reaffirmed the importance of standing up for welcoming. The recent wave of executive orders issued by the new administration sent a stark message: the promise of belonging and thriving in America is not a right we all share,…

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Statement

Stand Up for Welcoming: Take Action Against Anti-Immigrant Threats

With the inauguration, we’re seeing a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions targeting local leaders for their commitment to welcoming and inclusivity. Over 200 cities have already faced threats for standing up for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers—and the pressure is building. We know this is a critical moment to increase the volume of pro-welcoming voices…

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Statement

Navigating the future post-election: we’re here for each other

Grounded in shared humanity, we are committed to fostering belonging and building stronger communities. Yesterday, the American public cast their votes and re-elected former President Trump. Regardless of our reactions—celebration or mourning—one truth remains: our strength in the days ahead will come from leading toward, and not away from, our shared humanity. This election carries…

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Statement

Standing together against immigrant scapegoating: support for Springfield and Dayton

Together, we can stand against scapegoating and build welcoming communities where everyone belongs. We all deserve to feel safe, welcome, and find a sense of belonging in the communities we call home — whether we’ve just arrived or have lived here for generations. Recent narratives about Springfield and Dayton, Ohio, have once again highlighted the…

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News Press Release

Salt Lake City becomes first Certified Welcoming city in Utah

Salt Lake City, UTAH — Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, is proud to announce that Salt Lake City has achieved the 3-star Certified Welcoming designation. The city’s work to connect diverse communities and create an inclusive environment provides a rich roadmap for building a strong sense of belonging within cities. Rachel Perić, executive director…

Certified Welcoming
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News Press Release

The 2024 Global Welcoming Week Campaign kicks off with 600 events across 8 countries

Annual campaign spotlights communities that are fostering belonging through local events, educational programming, and perspective-changing conversations. Welcoming Week, an annual campaign led by Welcoming America and implemented in partnership with organizations worldwide, will take place September 13-22. It kicks off this week with more than 600 events taking place in countries across the globe including…

Welcoming Week
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News Statement

Welcoming America celebrates new policy announcements for immigrant families and Dreamers

Communities thrive when families stay together and neighbors of all backgrounds have a stable future to build toward. The Biden administration’s announcement today of two major policy changes to help keep families together and provide Dreamers new avenues to access employment-based visas is a welcome development. To protect American families, the administration will use existing…

DACA
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News Press Release

17 leaders selected for innovative national program to strengthen belonging amid demographic shifts

Welcoming America and The Dinner Party Labs are excited to announce that 17 civic leaders have been selected for the Connected Communities Cohort, a yearlong learning program to deepen trust and relationships between immigrants and non-immigrants in communities experiencing significant demographic shifts. The selected participants include representatives from the following organizations: Louisiana Organization for Refugees…

Connected Communities
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