Organizing 101: How nonprofit advocates can bring local government along for the welcoming journey
If you’ve ever wondered why key leaders aren’t at the table in your community’s welcoming coalition, the answer may be that your table isn’t big enough. With over 15 years of working with local governments and nonprofits, Welcoming America has seen many local nonprofits lead a community’s welcoming efforts. Many of these advocates have built…
Read MoreThree tips for community foundations wanting to advance immigrant inclusion
A new white paper from Welcoming America explores the capacity community foundations have to advance the work of welcoming newcomers into U.S. communities. Through our project and white paper we ask: How are community foundations currently engaging in welcoming work? What are the opportunities for community philanthropy to play an even stronger role in advancing…
Read MoreRevamped 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 MoreAdvancing Welcoming through Community Foundations
Against growing levels of global migration, demographic change, and efforts to advance equity and inclusion, community foundations have an interest in — and responsibility to — invest in efforts to create more welcoming local communities. This whitepaper, “Advancing Welcoming through Community Foundations,” explores the potential for greater coordination, collaboration, and investment from community foundations in advancing the vital work of welcoming newcomers into U.S. communities. It also explores the potential of linking the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations to the Welcoming Standard as a potential blueprint for community foundations interested in contributing to global collective impact in advancing equity, belonging, and inclusion.
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 MoreAnnouncing the public comment period of the Welcoming Standard
We are thrilled to announce the opening of the public comment period for the Welcoming Standard, the guiding set of principles that outlines the core of what it means for a community to be truly welcoming, particularly in terms of immigrant and refugee residents. In addition to two review boards of experts, we are also…
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…
Read MoreAnnouncing advisory group selections to review Welcoming Standard
Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization leading a movement of inclusive communities, announces two advisory groups to lead the 12-month review of the Welcoming Standard, the guiding set of principles that outlines the core of what it means for a community to be truly welcoming, particularly in terms of immigrant and refugee residents. The Content…
Read MoreCity of Erie, PA latest to join Certified Welcoming places in America
Welcoming America is pleased to announce the City of Erie’s achievement in becoming Certified Welcoming, joining just 10 other communities in America that can call themselves truly welcoming places. “Welcoming America applauds the City of Erie for its strong efforts to build a welcoming environment to fuel economic growth and upward mobility for all residents,” said Rachel…
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