How Detroit Neighbors Turned a Vacant Lot Into Common Ground

Group photo of the participants in the vacant lot reclamation project

We talk a lot about bringing people together. But what does that actually look like? There’s a science behind it: contact theory. Developed by social psychologist Dr. Gordon Allport, contact theory describes the conditions that support people in building connections across differences. Here’s the basic idea: if you know, work alongside, and do something meaningful…

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Sharing stories, uniting communities: #Interactive2025

Bird's eye view of over 800 Welcoming Interactive 2025 attendees

Uncertainty continues to affect welcoming across the U.S. and around the world — but last month, at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive, one thing was certain: this community is strong, ready, and committed to building a better future. Over three days, nearly 900 people came together in Detroit, Michigan for community tours, meaningful conversations, practical sessions,…

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“Building welcoming communities is not a luxury”: Opening remarks at the Welcoming Interactive 2025

Rachel Perić stands on stage behind a lectern, presenting remarks at the Welcoming Interactive 2024.

“Building welcoming communities is not a luxury. It is essential.” Editor’s note: Following are remarks by Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, delivered on May 21, 2025 at the opening plenary of the Welcoming Interactive in Detroit, Michigan. They have been lightly edited for web publication. In 1950s Brooklyn, a stunned boy looked up…

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