Masks on, arms open: Milwaukee nonprofits foster new connections in the heart of the pandemic
In 2020, Welcoming America and its members worked in eight cities to bridge diverse communities and foster a deeper sense of belonging for local residents, including immigrants. This story is part of the Belonging Begins With Us campaign, which was funded in part by the Walmart Foundation. At a time when a pandemic isolated Americans,…
Read MoreSalisbury sets out to welcome immigrants and build community on Maryland’s eastern shore
As more communities across the U.S. experience population shifts, how can small municipalities embrace diversity and inclusion to become welcoming places for all? For the city of Salisbury, MD, 2018 served as a turning point on its journey to become a more diverse and inclusive place. Known as the Capital of the Eastern Shore, Salisbury…
Read MoreOld Navy Partners with Welcoming America to Celebrate New US Citizens with Iconic Flag Tee
New 2021 Flag Tee Features the Names of All 50 States and Five US Territories SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2021 – To celebrate America’s upcoming birthday and the diverse tapestry that makes up the U.S., Old Navy is rolling out the red, white and blue carpet to the country’s newest members. The quintessential American fashion…
Read MoreResettlement Strategies: Learning from National Examples & Local Actors
Presented by Welcoming America and Boston University, this two-part webinar provides a broad understanding of how the resettlement system works in the United States, how it differs from other systems, and what challenges it has undergone over the past three years. Part one of this series took place on May 26, 2021 and part two…
Read MoreEngaging Public Sector Stakeholders to Prepare for Welcoming More Refugees
This webinar was hosted and organized by Switchboard on April 7, 2021. Switchboard is a resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States. Welcoming America staff presented on this timely topic using knowledge and examples from the Welcoming Network. Speakers: Christina Pope, Senior Network Director George Zavala, Western Regional Manager As refugee service…
Read MoreForty-two nonprofit, local government leaders join community of practice to build more inclusive decision-making spaces
Welcoming America is pleased to announce the 42 participants selected for its Community of Practice (CoP) on inclusive and collaborative decision-making spaces. Representing nonprofit organizations and local governments across 32 states and the District of Columbia, the CoP convenes a diverse network of peers working to create more inclusive committees, boards, advisory councils, and commissions…
Read MoreTaste of Belonging Cookbook
The presence of food sets the table for conversation and curiosity — two essential ingredients for building community among people who have different backgrounds and identities. Under the right conditions, food can be a positive entry point for activities and initiatives that decrease prejudice between different groups. Welcoming America created this cookbook as a tool…
Read MoreCreative Placemaking & Welcoming: Tips and Tools for Integrating Arts, Culture, and Immigration
In communities where arts institutions also play a role in welcoming, organizations reap the benefits of inclusion as they attract more diverse audiences, reflect their changing communities, and make communities more vibrant. Creative Placemaking & Welcoming: Tips and Tools for Integrating Arts, Culture, and Immigration was created as an entry point and companion piece to…
Read MoreEstablishing and Maintaining Inclusive Emergency Management with Immigrant and Refugee Populations
With the COVID-19 pandemic and greater occurrences of natural disasters, the need for inclusion in emergency management is paramount. We will discuss a variety of topics, including our latest toolkit, which was created in partnership with the I-DIEM and focused on how organizations can develop more inclusive preparedness and practices in emergencies. Our panelists will…
Read MoreFrom Syria to Idaho to California: Reflections from a virtual cooking class
Since September, the Idaho Office for Refugees, a Welcoming Network member, has offered cross-culinary kits and virtual cooking classes as part of a six-month series led by Boise residents with refugee and immigrant backgrounds. I was lucky enough to attend a class taught by Shadi Ismail, a Syrian refugee who calls Boise home. He was…
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