‘Belonging is a right we defend together’: Eric K. Ward at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive
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…
Read More‘My immigrant perspective gave me a heightened antenna for injustice’: Dr. Mona Hanna at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive
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…
Read More‘Everything I write begins in my lived experience’: Carlos Andrés Gómez at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive
As we count down the days to the Welcoming Interactive in Detroit this May, we’re reminded of the energy, learning, and connection that the conference sparks for attendees each year. But this year, the stakes feel even higher. In a time of uncertainty and division, coming together is more important than ever. The Welcoming Interactive…
Read MoreLanguage access: Our history and protected right
By Jodie Stanley, Municipal Language Access Network For the first time in U.S. history, an official language has been named. Executive Order 14224 designates English as the official language of the United States—a largely symbolic move, but one with real implications. While this order does not establish legal restrictions on other languages, it signals a…
Read MoreHow intergroup relationships build community: Four success stories
Fund to Foster Belonging grantees have brought together immigrants and non-immigrants to build community-wide belonging since 2021. This year, we supported four grantees whose projects bridged immigrant, refugee, and U.S.-born communities through shared initiatives. Their efforts demonstrated how local bridge-building work between different groups — also known as intergroup bridging — can successfully create connections,…
Read MoreFrom crisis to cornerstone: How welcoming is creating stability and belonging for this community foundation
Local institutions, like community foundations, can stopgap migration crises by leveraging their local knowledge, resources, and leadership. In this guest post, Valerie Carlin, the chief impact officer at Aspen Community Foundation, highlights how community foundations can go beyond short-term crisis response to build a lasting foundation for belonging and welcoming. In our rural community in…
Read MoreBuilding inclusive communities: Welcoming resources for community foundations
As community foundations increasingly recognize the importance of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, they are discovering that welcoming is a key dimension of this work that is often overlooked. Also known as immigrant inclusion, welcoming refers to the constellation of practices and policies that create environments where immigrants and refugees are embraced into the…
Read MoreWe’re All In: How communities united during Welcoming Week 2024
Now in its twelfth year, with more than 2,006 events and initiatives that took place in 8 countries, Welcoming Week is a message and a movement for communities that are making immigrant inclusion a reality. From September 13-22, communities generated awareness and energy around the need for belonging, while encouraging sustained, year-round welcoming efforts. Rallying…
Read MoreWorld Refugee Day: Standing with refugee leaders who are sparking change
On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20, we honor the strength, courage, and perseverance of refugees around the globe. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees, for a world where refugees are welcomed. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating refugees’ strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges…
Read MoreStaying rooted in humanity: Reflections on #Interactive2024
Last week, 800 welcomers from across the globe joined us at the 2024 Welcoming Interactive in the Certified Welcoming city of Dallas, Texas. Leaders from local governments, nonprofits, and other sectors spent three days sharing inspiring practices and ideas for including immigrants and refugees in their communities. Participants hailed from communities across the U.S., Canada,…
Read More