Revamped Certified Welcoming program includes star designations, new criteria
Welcoming America is pleased to announce the second iteration of the Certified Welcoming program, its signature program that recognizes U.S. cities, towns, and counties for their welcoming policies and programs. Certified Welcoming is introducing a star designation system that will allow more communities to achieve one of five star designations under the Welcoming Standard version…
Read MoreAchieving the Certified Welcoming Designation Under the Welcoming Standard 2.0
This guide outlines the second iteration of the Certified Welcoming program and the Welcoming Standard criteria that communities must meet to earn the designation of Certified Welcoming. Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local…
Read MoreCity of Philadelphia becomes largest U.S. city to gain Certified Welcoming designation by Welcoming America
Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces today the City of Philadelphia – the largest city and the fourth place in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – to achieve the Certified Welcoming designation. Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America, said: “Philadelphia’s leadership as a Certified Welcoming city shows how a principled response to migration, driven…
Read MoreThe time is now for communities to put welcoming values into action
As we move on from the midterm elections, we are dismayed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott continuing to send people from the Texas border to so-called “liberal havens” — most recently, to Philadelphia — without their knowledge, and with the misguided notion that this will somehow turn public opinion against them. But as the midterms…
Read MoreFive U.S. cities and counties achieve, redesignate as Certified Welcoming
Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces today five U.S. cities and counties achieving or redesignating as Certified Welcoming places. Said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America: “We are pleased to announce a new round of leaders in the growing movement to create communities where everyone — including people who migrate — can belong…
Read MoreWelcoming America Designates City of Toledo, OH as a Certified Welcoming City Amidst Global Welcoming Week Campaign
Welcoming America is thrilled to designate the City of Toledo as Certified Welcoming. The 16th place to earn the title of Certified Welcoming, Toledo kicked off their Welcoming Week celebration on September 6 by announcing this achievement. The announcement will be followed by a week of events celebrating inclusion for this annual campaign. Events include…
Read MoreWelcoming America designates the City of Charlotte as Certified Welcoming, first in the Southeast
### DECATUR, GA (May 19, 2022) — Welcoming America announces today the City of Charlotte in North Carolina as Certified Welcoming, the first in the state and in the southeast U.S. region. The announcement is taking place at the Welcoming Interactive annual conference at the Westin Charlotte, which is being hosted by Welcoming America in…
Read MoreWelcoming America designates the City of Detroit as Certified Welcoming, the first in Michigan
DECATUR, GA — Welcoming America announces today the City of Detroit, Michigan as Certified Welcoming, the first in the Wolverine State to achieve the designation. Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “I’m especially proud to congratulate Detroit on its designation as a Certified Welcoming city. As a city shaped by migration, and as…
Read MoreWelcoming America designates the City of San José as Certified Welcoming
DECATUR, GA — Welcoming America announces today the City of San José, California, as Certified Welcoming, the second in the Golden State to achieve the status. Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “As the largest city in our nation’s center of technology and innovation, San José’s designation as Certified Welcoming sends a strong…
Read MoreWelcoming America designates City of Pittsburgh, PA as a Certified Welcoming city
Decatur, GA — Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, is thrilled to designate the City of Pittsburgh as Certified Welcoming. It is the 12th place to become Certified Welcoming since the program launched in 2017, and the third in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, joining the cities of Lancaster and Erie. The designation not only comes…
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