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How intergroup relationships build community: Four success stories
Fund to Foster Belonging grantees have brought together immigrants and non-immigrants to build community-wide belonging since 2021. This year, we supported four grantees whose projects bridged immigrant, refugee, and U.S.-born communities through shared initiatives. Their efforts demonstrated how local bridge-building work between different groups — also known as intergroup bridging — can successfully create connections,…
Read MoreFrom crisis to cornerstone: How welcoming is creating stability and belonging for this community foundation
Local institutions, like community foundations, can stopgap migration crises by leveraging their local knowledge, resources, and leadership. In this guest post, Valerie Carlin, the chief impact officer at Aspen Community Foundation, highlights how community foundations can go beyond short-term crisis response to build a lasting foundation for belonging and welcoming. In our rural community in…
Read MoreNavigating 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…
Read MoreBuilding inclusive communities: Welcoming resources for community foundations
As community foundations increasingly recognize the importance of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, they are discovering that welcoming is a key dimension of this work that is often overlooked. Also known as immigrant inclusion, welcoming refers to the constellation of practices and policies that create environments where immigrants and refugees are embraced into the…
Read MoreWe’re All In: How communities united during Welcoming Week 2024
Now in its twelfth year, with more than 2,006 events and initiatives that took place in 8 countries, Welcoming Week is a message and a movement for communities that are making immigrant inclusion a reality. From September 13-22, communities generated awareness and energy around the need for belonging, while encouraging sustained, year-round welcoming efforts. Rallying…
Read MoreStanding 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…
Read MoreSalt 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreWorld Refugee Day: Standing with refugee leaders who are sparking change
On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20, we honor the strength, courage, and perseverance of refugees around the globe. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees, for a world where refugees are welcomed. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating refugees’ strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges…
Read MoreWelcoming 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…
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