Author: Christa Yoakum

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Three Omaha openings this week for the Quilted Conscience Project

Quilted ConscienceColorful quilt display unites new immigrants and long-time Nebraska residents

Omaha gallery patrons will have the chance this week to attend several openings of “The Quilted Conscience Project,” a moving and meaningful art project that features beautifully colored displays and fosters cross-cultural bonds across generations.

The Quilted Conscience Project works with immigrant and refugee children, newly arrived in the United States, and traditional-American communities, here for many generations, who don’t yet know their newest neighbors. Together, the groups form bonds and discover similarities through sharing their dreams and memories via quilting. It encourages creativity, respect, and friendship.

Quilts on display in Omaha this week are works produced by students in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island.

You can view the results of The Quilted Conscience this week in Omaha:

Thursday, February 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge St.
See the Karen Dreams and Memories quilt from Omaha Public Schools and Newcomer Quilts from Grand Island Public Schools at this public reception.

Friday, February 6 – 6:00 p.m.
KANEKO
1111 Jones St.
See the Sudan Dreams and Memories quilt from Grand Island Public Schools at this public reception.

Dale Clark Main Omaha Public Library
215 S. 15th St.
See the Dreams and Memories quilt created by Lincoln Public Schools from Myanmar.

The quilts will be on display through April 25 at those locations.

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Welcoming Week 2014 celebrates diversity in Nebraska communities

NE_Appleseed_Icons_Community-128September 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 America” film screening – Columbus – September 13

“I Learn America” is a powerful film that will take you into the lives of four immigrant teens, and asks the question, “What can a welcoming school community look like?”

Immigrant students’ lives can be confusing, lonely, and discouraging, but with courage, love, and humor, they persevere. In many ways, they are teenagers forging a complex new identity as ordinary people coming of age and becoming Americans in extraordinary circumstances.

Come for a screening of the film and stay afterward for a discussion about how inclusion and diversity can make our communities stronger and more vibrant.

When: Saturday, September 13, Noon
Where: Columbus Public Library, 2504 14th St., Columbus

“I Learn America” film screening – Schuyler – September 14

Come to a film screening of “I Learn America” and post-film discussion on Schuyler!

When: Sunday, September 14, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Colfax Theatre, 314 East 11th St., Schuyler

Talk on Children Fleeing Violence – Hastings – September 18

Nebraska Is Home Coordinator Christa Yoakum will deliver a presentation about children fleeing violence from Central America and seeking safety in the United States and other nearby countries.  The talk will include what local community members can do and how Nebraska communities can create welcoming environments for everyone.

When: September 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Adams County YWCA, 604 N. Joseph St., Hastings

Omaha Diversity Conference – Omaha – September 18

Join SSCA Omaha and other community partners for this informative conference. Hear from Omaha’s diverse refugee community members. See how collaborations have grown in the city to provide inclusion and integration. Learn how you can become involved. Embrace diversity and inclusion in Omaha!

When: Thursday, September 18
Where: Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St., Omaha

Click Here to RSVP

The Quilted Conscience project – Omaha – September 20

Immigrant students from Omaha Benson High School will unveil the efforts of their week-long quilting workshop where memories of their home countries are stitched together with their hopes for the future in the colorful quilt. The students worked with Omaha area quilters, who mentored the students to help them tell their stories through fabric art.

When: Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.-Noon
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha

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Welcoming America receives award from United Nations

welcomingamericalogo-300x124We 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 pool of more than 600 applicants from over 100 countries.

The award recognizes the Welcoming Cities and Counties initiative supporting American cities and regions to create an amicable and attractive environment for immigrants. Lincoln was among the first cities in the country committed to being a Welcoming City ensuring everyone is welcome and valued in the community.

Awardees were honored at a ceremony in Bali, Indonesia, where Executive Director David Lubell had the honor of shaking the hand of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who participated in the awards ceremony. As an awardee, Welcoming America will receive a year of support and training from UNAOC – crucial and timely expertise!

Welcoming America ranked fourth out of the 11 recipients overall – the highest ranking of any U.S-based organization in the award’s history – and only the fifth U.S.-based organization to ever receive the award.

To learn more about the award, please click here. Welcoming America is honored and humbled to have received the Intercultural Innovation Award, and we are excited to work to parlay this momentum to take immigrant welcoming and inclusion to new heights!

Welcoming America is a national, grassroots-driven collaborative that seeks to create welcoming atmosphere – through local efforts like Nebraska Is Home and You’re Welcome In Omaha – for immigrant Americans, because our communities are strongest when everyone feels welcome.

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Quilt of Dreams and Memories

NE_Appleseed_Icons_Community-128Lincoln 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 or the refugee camps where their families lived in Thailand. The Karen American students shared their plans to become teachers, doctors and nurses as well as the hope for peace in their countries in the colorful quilt that brought together traditional Karen weaving and American story quilting.

Lincoln Journal Star: “Final product of Karen group’s quilt project unveiled at Sheldon”

In her own words, Paw Spai Moo, a Lincoln High student, described the small confinement of the refugee camp she lived in for fourteen years contrasted with the freedoms she experiences here: “When I was one year old my parents moved to the refugee camp. I lived for long time, about 14 years. We have a difficult time. We can’t go in the outside. We just have to live in the little same area.” Now, Paw Spai dreams of a future with equal rights and peace for all people.

You can view the Quilt of Dreams and Memories and along with other immigrant student art at the Nebraska Mosaic Art Show at the Lux Center for the Arts, April 1-30, 2014.

This Lincoln project was modeled on the documentary The Quilted Conscience. Filmmaker John Sorensen created the first project honoring the work of Nebraska native Grace Abbott who advocated for children and immigrants throughout her career.

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From farm fields to football, the Mendota High Aztecs unite a community

“Every time you think about this community, people think negative.  ‘Aw, a bunch of poor people live out there.’  Negativity is a disease I want to kill.”

Mendota-jpgThis is how Robert “Beto” Mejia, the head football coach at Mendota High School in California’s central valley, addresses his team before a game last fall.

Mendota is a small town of about 11,000 people, the majority of them Latino immigrants.  It is a town where most of the residents find work on farms and in the fields nearby, including most of the high school players.

In the summers, many of the Aztecs’ players are at work before dawn in the fields to earn money for their families before coming to football practice.

ESPN followed the Mendota High Aztecs and star senior Edgar Segura on a record-breaking season in search of a California Section championship while uniting the school and community with team pride.

Faith, family, hard work, and football.  This story is as American as it gets.

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Welcoming City: Karen Community shares culture with Lincoln community

DSC05487Lincoln is among the first Welcoming Cities in the country who recognize the contributions immigrants make to creating a vibrant culture and a growing economy.

On Saturday, January 4 Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler joined the celebration of the new year hosted by Karen Society of Nebraska.

“It is important to me to welcome you to this place as your new home,” Mayor Beutler said through an interpreter.

The city is lucky people from many different cultures have decided to make their homes in Lincoln, he said.

“We encourage you to share your culture with the entire community, like the event you’ve planned today,” Beutler said. “It’s important we all continue working to build bridges with people who come from old and rich traditions.”

Karen people came to Nebraska primarily from Thailand refugee camps after fleeing Burma’s civil war. Celebrations like this New Year’s celebration create opportunities to share and to learn about the culture of new neighbors.

Read more in this story from the Lincoln Journal Star: “Lincoln’s growing Karen community celebrates New Year”

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Welcoming America Director honored by Univision

welcomingamericalogo-300x124Welcoming America Executive Director David Lubell recently was named one of Univision’s top ten social entrepreneurs in the Americas.

Univision recognizes talented leaders who create social value by seeking sustainable solutions through innovative approaches to environmental problems, poverty, and inequalities such as access to health care, education and public services and protecting human rights.

“Many communities in the United States consider immigration as a threat rather than an opportunity to enrich culture and increase productivity. Our organization works across the country to empower local leaders from all sectors to welcome immigrants and make them productive members of society,” Lubell said as he described the principles and approach Welcoming America provides in communities.


Watch this video to learn more about Lubell’s vision for stronger, better communities that are the goal of Welcoming America.  At Nebraska Is Home we share the vision that our Nebraska communities are enriched and strengthened when people from all backgrounds and origins are made to feel welcome.

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Free screening of “I Learn America” film in Omaha

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 America,” a must-see new film on the experiences and challenges faced by a group of young immigrants adapting to their new country.

What: “I Learn America” screening
When: Thursday, December 5 – 6pm Dessert Reception, 7pm Film Screening
A new storytelling website tool – ideal for teachers and local community members – will be demonstrated during the reception.
Where: Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha

“I Learn America”  follows five students as they strive to master English, adapt to families they haven’t seen in years, confront the universal trials of adolescence, and search for a future they can claim as their own. Through these five vibrant young people, their stories and struggles, and their willingness to share their lives with us, we “learn America.”

Watch the trailer:

This film is sponsored and brought to you free of admission charge by: Omaha Public Libraries, SSCA Omaha, You’re Welcome In Omaha, and Nebraska Appleseed.

A new Immigrant Nation storytelling website will be demonstrated at the reception preceding the film, sharing local stories of immigration through the decades. The interactive project includes a web platform where you can record your own immigrant story.

As many of our immigrant stories fade into memory, Immigrant Nation creates an opportunity to harness our shared history to create a bridge between those who have lived in the U.S. for generations, and immigrants who have just arrived.

We hope you can join us Thursday, December 5th in Omaha.

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Columbus business tour celebrates diversity of locally owned businesses

Pages from Columbus Business Tour Flyer 10-10-2013An 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 Discover Columbus tour held Tuesday evening. They were driven to eight local businesses where they met with the owners and learned a bit about the background of each.”

On a crisp fall evening, a diverse group of participants toured local establishments offering everything from photography to tax preparation and massage therapy to unique boutiques “Sometimes it can be hard to walk in a new store for the very first time,” said Christa Yoakum, coordinator of Nebraska Is Home. “This was a fun way for friends to visit some new establishments together — particularly cross-culturally –and for business owners to chat with community members about what they offer.”

Participants commented that they wanted to do it again and even suggested a few businesses they were curious about for a future tour. Several people said they had been curious about new businesses but felt uncomfortable about going in a first time. Many also expressed delight in knowing services available locally at good rates. Guests and business owners connected through stories of the business owners.

Maria Davila, owner of Servicios En General, and Eduardo and Mary Morales, owners of Venemex Video and Photography, described developing their businesses in response to seeing a need in the community or being asked for their services by community members. Davila and Jerry Morales, owners of First Class Auto Detailing, also said they were looking for business opportunities that fit with raising their families.

Future tours are being planned for Columbus, and Lincoln community members who heard about the Columbus event expressed interest in creating a similar tour in Lincoln.

Businesses toured in this first Columbus tour included: El Tapitio, Servicios en General, Venemex Photography and Videography, Mother Nature’s Emporium, Fabulous Forever, Lavender Thyme, First Class Auto Detailing, and Kay’s Place for Massage Therapy. The tour was co-hosted by Connect Columbus, United Way of Columbus, Centro Hispano, Central Community College, Center for Rural Affairs, REAP (Rural Enterprise Assistance Program), Nebraska Is Home, and Nebraska Appleseed.

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Nebraskans to celebrate National Welcoming Week

Welcoming-Week-2013-jpg-300x65A 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. to create stronger communities during National Welcoming Week.

Close to 80 events are planned in 22 states, including right here in Nebraska, to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of our communities when we welcome people of all backgrounds and origins.

Thursday, September 19 is World Day on the Mall, where Nebraskans will celebrate food, music, art, and culture from around the world inside Lincoln’s Pershing Center, located on Centennial Mall.

Also on Thursday, people are invited to Schuyler, Nebraska, for a tour of small businesses owned by both immigrants and long-time Schuyler residents.  This tour will showcase the richness of the Schuyler business community, bring neighbors of all backgrounds together, and celebrate how diversity continues to strengthen this small-town Nebraska economy.

Throughout this Welcoming Week, Lincoln High students and Lincoln area quilters are sharing stories and learning about each other as they create a story quilt of memories and dreams together at the Sheldon Museum of Art. The completed quilt will be be displayed publicly in the Spring.

The Omaha Diversity and Inclusion Conference on Monday, September 23 will bring together immigrants and Omaha community members, businesses, and employers to share stories and learn and develop strategies to create a culture of inclusiveness and embrace the rich diversity of Omaha’s workforce. The conference is 8:30-4:30 at the Omaha Hilton Hotel, 1001 Cass Street. To register, contact Laura de Rosier at lderosier@sscaomaha.org.

We hope you can join in one of these events to continue to promote Nebraska’s nationally recognized spirit of welcoming people from all over the world and continue to grow our state’s welcoming atmosphere for all.

National Welcoming Week includes other events across the country:

From Alabama and Florida to Colorado and California, immigrants and U.S.-born residents will come together in a spirit of unity to participate in volunteer service projects that benefit their local communities, including projects focused on collecting and packaging food and supplies, building community gardens, and cleaning up public spaces.

Local government officials will be affirming their commitment to welcoming immigrants already.  Michigan Governor Rick Snyder issued a proclamation in honor of 2013 Welcoming Week and seven Michigan communities have passed similar resolutions. In Iowa, mayors Buck Clark and Jon Crews and Rep. Anesa Kajtazovich have joined with local residents and business leaders to sign similar welcoming pledges.

Welcoming Indianapolis is bringing the community together through approximately 20 events all across the city, and during Welcoming Week’s kickoff, Mayor Gregory Ballard will share his vision on how to make Indianapolis more inclusive to immigrants.

In Indiana and Missouri, immigrants eager to contribute to their new hometowns will become U.S. citizens during naturalization ceremonies, while immigrants in Massachusetts and Tennessee will learn how to apply for U.S. citizenship through clinics.