As we strive to build more welcoming communities where everyone feels they belong, we recognize that segregation and inequity are barriers to belonging. That is why it is important to educate ourselves about the causes (history) and effects (outcomes) of racism in our communities, and learn how to talk about them with those around us — so that we can break down systemic obstacles and create real inclusion.
Continue reading “Join us weekly for a conversation on racial equity”
Neighbors all across Nebraska came together this Welcoming Week – virtually as well as physically – to celebrate, learn together, and take strides in creating communities where everybody can belong.
Nebraskans hosted close to 30 events across more than eight communities, joining the growing movement to create more welcoming communities through intentional actions, practices, and policies. Immigrants, refugees, long-time residents, and community members of all backgrounds found imaginative ways to bring people together across lines of difference to develop greater understanding and mutual support, and to affirm that Belonging Begins With Us!
Happy Welcoming Week! It is often said that food is a great connector! The presence of food sets the table for conversation and curiosity — two essential ingredients for building community among people who have different backgrounds and identities. Under the right conditions, food can be a positive entry point for activities and initiatives that unite a community and decrease prejudice between different groups.
One great way to celebrate Welcoming Week is by trying a dish or recipe from a culture that’s different from your own.
Continue reading “Delicious ways to celebrate Welcoming Week!”
Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors from all backgrounds to come together, get to know one another, and celebrate what unites us as a community.
Continue reading “What’s happening for Welcoming Week in your community?”
Nebraska has a long history of welcoming refugees, even having the nation’s largest per capita refugee resettlement rate in 2016. As events unfold in Afghanistan, we stand with our Afghan neighbors who call Nebraska home and make our communities strong and vibrant.
We support the rapid processing and resettlement of Afghan individuals and families seeking safety, and those who—like the Laotians, Vietnamese, Iraqis, and others before them—protected and worked alongside Americans as translators, engineers, security guards, embassy clerks, and cultural advisors. Evacuations must continue until they are complete, not interrupted or halted by an arbitrary deadline. As we prepare to welcome our new neighbors, we know that belonging begins with us, and we can each do our part to help them feel they belong here.
Continue reading “How to best support refugee resettlement agencies”
Welcoming Week is September 10th-19th and we’re ready to help you plan how you want to celebrate your community as a welcoming place!
Each year, Welcoming Week is a chance for neighbors from all backgrounds to come together, get to know one another, and celebrate what unites us as a community.
Continue reading “Welcoming Week is just around the corner! Let us help you plan!”
This is a guest blog post by Zeke Rouse, Appleseed’s Immigrants and Communities Welcoming Intern.
Across America, thousands of communities celebrate today in big and small ways, with local and larger events, holiday fare, parades, music, and readings of the Declaration of Independence. Some of us may not get past the hot dogs and watermelon, but it is time to reflect, even for just a few minutes, about what it means to live in a country built on the principles of democracy, where the voice of the people matters. “We the people” were, for many years, defined as white, land-owning men, but this has changed over time, as laws have codified standards to make our society fairer and more just. That doesn’t make us perfect. In fact, the founding fathers aimed to create not a perfect union, but a more perfect union. It was the dream of that more perfect union that inspired leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for rights to be extended to all Americans, beyond those whom our founding fathers narrowly included.
Welcome, I’m glad you’re here. The thing about brewing a good cup of tea is you can’t rush the process. You have to put the tea leaves in and pour the water slowly so as to not make a mess. Then you have to wait a couple of minutes to allow that tea to steep, because boiling would burn the tea leaves and extract too many tannins, which are what give teas their bitterness. If you want a quality cup of tea, there is no way around the waiting and allowing the process. In that way, it is a lot like building welcoming and inclusive communities, which requires a lot of patience and waiting for results to unfold once you have added the leaves and poured the water.
Continue reading “Tea Time with Khenda: Creating Communities of Belonging”
Please note: We are currently in the 4th session of the Creating Communities of Belonging series. Join us by registering at the link below!
This virtual series will provide collaborative sessions, presentations, and networking with Nebraskans who are committed to creating communities where everyone, including immigrant neighbors, feels valued.
In lieu of an in-person statewide welcoming convening this year, join us for this monthly series of virtual sessions. The series will continue through the summer on the second Friday of each month. All sessions will be virtual and are free.
We are excited to introduce the speakers for the event series!
Continue reading “Summer 2021 series: Creating Communities of Belonging”
I hope you can join us virtually for the Welcoming Interactive conference May 5th & 6th, and also for our Nebraska Is Home: Creating Communities of Belonging series beginning in June! See more information below.
Join us and other Nebraskans for the conference & virtual coffee breaks!
The Welcoming Interactive is virtual this year and open to all those who are seeking inspiration and practical strategies for creating a more welcoming, inclusive society. Join the growing movement of practitioners in local communities across the country, share best practices and connect with a network of peers. Continue reading “You’re invited! Creating Communities of Belonging and Welcoming Interactive”
