‘Belonging is a right we defend together’: Eric K. Ward at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive

‘Belonging is a right we defend together’: Eric K. Ward

Belonging is under attack—and no one is untouched. Local and state leaders are leading with their values and displaying courage as they stand up for welcoming and belonging. This can feel isolating. But we can all be braver when we’re more connected and aligned. At the Welcoming Interactive in Detroit this May, welcomers from across…

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‘My immigrant perspective gave me a heightened antenna for injustice’: Dr. Mona Hanna at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive

‘My immigrant perspective gave me a heightened antenna for injustice.’ - Dr. Mona Hanna

The 2025 Welcoming Interactive is coming to Detroit, Michigan this May. From the Underground Railroad and Great Migration to today’s immigrant and refugee communities setting down roots, Michigan’s history of migration and inclusion runs deep. That legacy of welcoming will take center stage at this year’s conference. We’re spotlighting leaders, organizations, and efforts from Michigan…

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More Communities #StandUpForWelcoming as the Welcoming Movement Takes the Spotlight

Together in belonging: Welcoming America

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…

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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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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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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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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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