This is a momentous time in our country’s history and a powerful time for us to take a stand with our neighbors. As a community or as a society, we cannot be whole when Black Americans are repeatedly targeted because of the color of their skin. By now we’ve all seen the inexcusable actions of law enforcement that ended George… Read more →
Immigrants bring vibrancy and resiliency to our communities Once again, hatred and violence devastate communities across our country As we mourn the devastating attacks that occurred this weekend in El Paso,TX and Dayton, OH, we stand with these vibrant and resilient communities. Inhumane and violent actions toward our neighbors do not reflect our core values as a country. Below is… Read more →
Lincoln did indeed unite this past weekend in a new festival celebrating the city’s vibrant mix of cultures with activities for all ages. If you missed the day’s African drumming, henna tattoos, delicious food, and moving citizenship ceremony, read on for a vicarious experience and mark your calendar to watch for the 2nd annual event next spring! The day began… Read more →
March 8th, International Women’s Day, has long been celebrated by the global community as a day to honor women for their social, economic, cultural and political achievements. On this day, women, communities, and countries the world over enjoy the day with events that range from festivals to tea parties. Three years ago, a group of refugee women in Omaha came… Read more →
Welcoming Week 2015 was the biggest ever, marking a significant moment for the Welcoming movement from September 12-20. People across the United States joined in by participating in Welcoming Week, a national movement that aims to celebrate and honor the contributions that immigrants make to our local communities every day. This fourth annual event that included more than 245 events… Read more →
This weekend in Omaha, you have another chance to see a pair of powerful, colorful exhibits of memories-and-dreams quilts from Nebraska immigrant and refugee youth (The Quilted Conscience), as well as a rare opportunity to see Fabric of Survival, a stunning series of quilts telling the story of a Holocaust survivor from her village in Poland through Nazi occupation and… Read more →
A growing number of communities here in Nebraska and across the nation are recognizing that our cities and towns thrive when diverse people from around the world feel valued and want to put down roots. Tuesday in Nashville, President Obama recognized Welcoming America founder and Executive Director David Lubell and the community of Nashville as one such community at a town… Read more →
Travel to Los Angeles this December for the National Immigrant Integration Conference 2014! This year, the National Partnership for New Americans is co-hosting NIIC 2014 with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), to be held in Los Angeles from December 14-16, 2014. NIIC 2014 offers the best annual opportunity for advocates, educators, policymakers, and service providers… Read more →
September 13-21 will be celebrated as National Welcoming Week, a nationwide event that highlights the contributions of immigrant Americans and the strength of inclusive communities across the country. Throughout the country, and right here in Nebraska, there are many events where you can join the celebration. We invite you to attend one of these events in your community! “I Learn… Read more →
We are excited to announce that Welcoming America is one of 11 organizations worldwide to receive the 2014 Intercultural Innovation Award, granted by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)! The Intercultural Innovation Award is given to the most innovative projects around the world that are working to build intercultural cooperation and dialogue, and Welcoming America was selected from a… Read more →
Lincoln High School students told the stories of their memories and journeys to Lincoln from Myanmar and Thailand, as well as the stories of their dreams for the future through quilting when the new exhibit “Quilt of Dreams and Memories” opened Sunday at the Sheldon Museum of Art. As the quilt was unveiled, students described their rural homes in Myanmar… Read more →
The children of immigration, here to stay, are the new Americans. How we fare in welcoming them will determine the nature of this country in the 21st century and beyond. Schools have a unique role in bridging divides between newcomer and longer term students and families and helping all students succeed. You’re invited to a special screening of “I Learn… Read more →
An article in Thursday’s Columbus Telegram highlighted a recent small-business tour that invited residents to get to know some of the diverse local businesses that help Columbus’ community thrive. From the article: “From long-standing businesses to newly opened stores, a tour through Columbus showcased a diversity among establishments in the city. A group of about 20 people went on the… Read more →
A new and growing chorus of voices across the country – from mayors to business owners to everyday residents – recognize the contributions that immigrants bring to our communities and are developing comprehensive efforts to welcome them. This week, from September 15th to the 22nd, this chorus will grow as immigrants and U.S.-born individuals come together across the the U.S.… Read more →
Eleven Brothers was more than the name of their soccer team. “We are all brothers,” the coach says. “We are all one. We respect each other. We love each other as brothers.” The Lincoln Journal Star tells the inspiring story of how these young soccer players who came to Nebraska from Vietnam, Cambodia, Kosovo, Sudan, Nigeria, Bosnia, Iraq and Mexico… Read more →
Omaha is a stronger, safer, and better community when we welcome people from all backgrounds and places of origin. You are invited Monday evening to join Nebraska Appleseed, Inclusive Communities, and You’re Welcome in Omaha for a dialogue about making Omaha a more welcoming community for all people. What: You’re Welcome In Omaha Community Dialogue Where: Urban Abbey coffee shop… Read more →
A recent article by Immigration Impact gives a telling portrayal of the benefits that immigrants bring to their new homes – while highlighting new local efforts across the country to focus on “welcoming” initiatives that create strong communities. New immigrants “breathe new life into communities” and help create a vibrant social, economic, and cultural environment. They diversify neighborhoods and open… Read more →
Meet The Quilted Conscience director Sunday at the Ross Documentary also airs statewide Friday on NET A locally produced documentary about the welcoming of cultural diversity in Nebraska will air this weekend in Lincoln with a chance for you to participate. The Quilted Conscience will be screened at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center (313… Read more →
Last week Marketplace Money, a public radio program focusing on business and the economy, highlighted the positive effects immigration has on our nation and our economy. Two immigrants, Mario Escobar, originally from El Salvador, and Jose Luis Zelaya, from Honduras, described the trials they have gone through in their pursuit of the American dream. Escobar, now a 35-year-old father of… Read more →
A growing number of communities are recognizing the economic and social benefits of welcoming and engaging immigrant residents. Last week, 20 Welcoming America affiliates from communities in states near and far met to discuss diverse strategies for creating welcoming communities. Detroit is creating opportunities for immigrant and long-term neighbors to get to know one another in neighborhoods. Dayton, Ohio, is creating an… Read more →
During Omaha Diversity Week and the first ever National Welcoming Week, activities in Omaha and around the country recognized efforts of inclusivity and inspiring others to welcome immigrant neighbors into the workplace and the community. Throughout Omaha, in business, in city government, and in community celebrations and social groups, Omahans recognized the contributions of immigrant community members. Hundreds of beautiful… Read more →
This week, You’re Welcome in Omaha will join Welcoming America affiliates across the country to celebrate the first National Welcoming Week. Across Omaha, throughout schools, public places and businesses, posters designed by local artists will spread a message of “Welcome” in many languages. Other community activities will be posted at NebraskaIsHome.org More than 20 Omaha organizations and businesses have signed… Read more →
Nebraska is alive through the summer with festivals where arts and traditions that give us pride in our heritage can be shared with friends and neighbors. Last weekend’s Omaha Heritage Festival offered a way for neighbors to meet one another and share music, food, and friendship from countries around the world. For generations, Omaha and communities throughout Nebraska have celebrated… Read more →
How can we welcome new neighbors? Over twenty-five young people met last week in Omaha to get to know each other and to talk about just that. They laughed together, ate together and found they have a lot in common. Some of the students were born in Sudan or Ethiopia, others were born in Texas or Lincoln. Many were born… Read more →
What says “welcome” and “I am glad to know” you more than opening your home to 45 strangers, most from another country? Last evening, in an Omaha house laden with colorful Christmas lights and amid glass snowmen and snow globes, an Omaha family offered their home and hospitality to generations of immigrants from Guatemala so that they can worship and… Read more →
