City 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…
Read MoreCharting a new path forward
Today is a bright day for American democracy. As millions of people, including new Americans, cast their ballots, worked polling stations, or helped their neighbors navigate the voting process—all during a pandemic—we reaffirmed the importance of the democratic process, one in which everyone has a stake. We also witnessed one of the most diverse elections,…
Read MoreWelcoming Week celebrates movement of inclusion by “Creating Home Together”
Press Release: Atlanta, GA — From September 12-20, Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, will lead the annual celebration of Welcoming Week events happening around the world under the theme of “Creating Home Together.” Due to the pandemic, Welcoming Week—which typically takes place through in-person events around the world—will mostly shift to virtual programming. Under…
Read MorePartnering with Polco on civic engagement
We are pleased to announce a partnership with Polco, an award-winning civic engagement platform to help our Welcoming Network members strengthen connections with residents on topics and issues important to their communities. Through Polco, users access a database of surveys and polls to assess police services, resident satisfaction, business owner sentiments, and others that help…
Read MoreTogether, we can counter a pattern of exclusion
At Welcoming America, our core belief is that the strongest communities are ones where all people—no matter where they’re from—take part in economic, civic, and social life. Communities that are truly welcoming foster a culture and policy environment that make it possible for everyone, including immigrants and refugees, to feel valued and participate fully without…
Read MoreCreate home with us during Welcoming Week 2020
What does home mean to you? In this pandemic, we may be redefining where home is, what makes us feel at home, or how to make home a more inclusive and equal place for all. That is why our theme for this year’s Welcoming Week is “Creating Home Together”. Through virtual spaces and digital sharing,…
Read MoreReflecting on what it means—and what it will take—to be truly welcoming
In coming months, Welcoming America will be revisiting the Welcoming Standard—the guiding document for communities aspiring to be inclusive places for immigrants and all residents. You can explore the Welcoming Standard to see the kinds of policies and practices that communities should have in place. We also know that there are many factors that go…
Read MoreA new home for Welcoming America swag
The Welcoming America online store has reopened on Shopify! From T-shirts to magnets, the new store offers the same swag items from our previous store, with some additions reflecting recent campaigns and initiatives. Visit Store Shipping is also more streamlined, with more options on shipping times, no minimums on quantity, and international shipping. With each purchase,…
Read MoreLiz Cedillo-Pereira joins Network Leadership Committee
Welcoming America is pleased to welcome Mary Elizbeth (Liz) Cedillo-Pereira as the newest member of our Network Leadership Committee. Liz Cedillo-Pereira is currently the Chief of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Dallas, TX. She previously served as the Director of the Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) where she oversaw the…
Read MoreAdditional bans on immigration, asylum seekers make America a less healthy place
A healthy America is one that isn’t afraid of immigrants. Just a few days after the Supreme Court declined to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the Administration released two policy measures that effectively reinforce a ban on aspiring Americans in the name of public health and the economy. The details of…
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