Category: Race Equity

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Register Now! ‘Bridging to Belonging’ Welcoming Convening Series

Join us in Bridging to Belonging: 11th-Annual Nebraska Welcoming Convening Series

Join us for the (virtual) 11th-annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. 

During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. We hope you will join us on the following Wednesdays as we actively bridge to belonging together.

Save the dates now and register for the series!

(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)

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Session 1: We Belong to Each Other – Unity Alliance & Multi-Sector Partnerships
Wednesday, June 11th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)

Come learn about creative, multi-sector belonging work in rural Idaho! “We Belong to Each Other” is a powerful, interactive presentation rooted in the work of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, an organization committed to building compassionate, connected communities. Through inspiring stories, visuals, and small group dialogue, participants will explore how fostering belonging can transform lives and reduce division—and discover how they can take meaningful action to help everyone feel seen, valued, and supported. Join this conversation with Alejandra Hernandez, Executive Director of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, and Matthew Hicks, Twin Falls Police Chief.

Alejandra Hernandez 
Alejandra was born and raised in Santiago, Chile where she earned a BA in Agricultural Engineering and an MA in Social Communication. When she moved to the USA in 1997, she went back to school to learn English and earned a BA in Educational Psychology and an MA in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College, Massachusetts. She is the Executive Director of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the understanding that ALL immigrants contribute to our region’s economy, way of life, and values. Passion is what drives everything she does in life. She is a lifelong learner and her mantra in life is “Get curious, not furious.” Currently she lives in Twin Falls with Margarito, her best PETsona!

Matthew Hicks
Just last month, Mathew Hicks was named Twin Falls Police Chief. He has been with the police department since 1993 demonstrating a commitment to high standards within the department. Matthew holds an MA in Human Resource Training and Development from Idaho State University, a degree from the FBI National Academy in Police Administration, and a BA in Political Science & Sociology from Carroll College. He also contributes to the growth and success of community as a business co-owner. 

Hicks said his goal as Chief is to continue building the relationships Twin Falls Police has established. He also expressed his desire to form new ones with groups and communities who might feel like they lack a connection with the police force.

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Save these dates! More information on these sessions to come! 

Session 2: Authentic Allyship in Community

  • Wednesday, July 9th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)

Session 3: Wellness through Indigenous and Immigrant Wisdom

  • Wednesday, August 13th, 7 – 8:30 PM CT (6 – 7:30 PM MT)(Evening Session)

Session 4:  Your Silence Hurts – Disrupting Bias

  • Wednesday, September 10th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)


Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests. 

DID YOU KNOW: There is also an in-person Welcoming Communities Conference in Gering/Scottsbluff on June 19th! 

Empowering Families and Panhandle Partnership will be hosting an in-person Welcoming Communities Conference on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the Gering Civic Center. This conference focuses on providing over 140 professionals and community leaders a forum for awareness, dialogue, and skill-building to create welcoming and inclusive environments within their agencies and communities. 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Kimberly Serrano. Kimberly Serrano is the Director of the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council where she provides vision and strategic direction for a portfolio of narrative and culture change projects that work to increase social trust, bridge diverse experiences, and foster a sense of belonging.

(Note: the registration links are different for the virtual series and the in-person conference!)

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The more you know! SWANA Heritage Month

Celebrating SWANA Heritage Month

Hello, I’m Sara Al-Rishawi, an Iraqi American and proud Lincoln native. I’ve grown up navigating both my cultural heritage and my Nebraska roots, and every April, SWANA Heritage Month becomes a special reminder of where I come from—and how important it is to celebrate that. It’s a time to reflect on the histories, cultures, and contributions of people from Southwest Asia and North Africa, and to share those stories with others. In this post, I want to offer a glimpse into what SWANA means, why this month matters, and how anyone can be part of it.

What is SWANA?

SWANA stands for Southwest Asian and North African and its heritage appreciation month takes place in April. It refers to a large, diverse region that includes countries such as Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Yemen, Iran, Sudan, and more. Many people use the term SWANA instead of “Middle East and North Africa” (MENA) because it shifts away from Eurocentric language and focuses on geography rather than colonial framing. 

From the poetry of Al-Mutannabi to the warmth of Arabic coffee shared between family and friends, the SWANA region is home to a wide range of languages, religions, traditions, and histories that span generations. As an Iraqi American, these traditions are deeply personal to me as they shape the food I eat, the holidays I celebrate, and the values I carry.

SWANA Communities in Lincoln

Lincoln has long been a refugee relocation site for families fleeing war, displacement, and instability—including many from SWANA countries like Iraq, Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan. These communities have made Lincoln their home, contributing to the city’s cultural richness while also navigating challenges of resettlement, language, and identity.

As someone who grew up here, I’ve seen firsthand how SWANA families have built businesses, served as interpreters, enriched our schools, and brought traditions that deepen the fabric of Lincoln. Recognizing SWANA Heritage Month also means recognizing the experiences of refugee and immigrant families who are part of our neighborhoods, classrooms, and local economy.

Everyday SWANA Contributions to the World

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term “SWANA,” chances are you’ve experienced the region’s influence in your everyday life:

  • Coffee as we know it today traces its roots to the Arab world.
  • Algebra (from the Arabic word al-jabr) and many math and science foundations originated in the Islamic Golden Age.
  • Words like “sugar,” “cotton,” and “lemon” come from Arabic and Persian languages.
  • Art and design, including geometric patterns and intricate tilework, have inspired architecture around the globe.
  • Cuisine like hummus, falafel, shawarma, baklava, and tabbouleh are now common in grocery stores and restaurants worldwide.

These contributions show how deeply SWANA cultures have shaped the world and continue to do so.

Why SWANA Heritage Month Matters

SWANA Heritage Month is about more than recognizing culture, it’s about making space. Too often, SWANA communities are misunderstood, misrepresented, or left out of broader cultural conversations. This month gives us a chance to reclaim our narratives and proudly celebrate who we are.

It also creates opportunities for connection, whether it’s hearing a familiar song, seeing your language represented, or just knowing you’re not alone in your experiences. For many SWANA-identifying people, especially in places like Nebraska, that visibility matters more than people may realize.

How You Can Support

You don’t have to be from the SWANA region to join in. Some simple and meaningful ways to support SWANA Heritage Month include:

  • Learning more about the cultures and histories of the region
  • Supporting SWANA-owned businesses, artists, and authors
  • Attending community or cultural events when available
  • Asking questions and showing genuine interest in people’s stories
  • Sharing SWANA voices and resources on your platforms

As an Iraqi American growing up in Lincoln, I’ve always held onto the beauty and strength of my culture. SWANA Heritage Month gives people like me a chance to be seen and celebrated, and it invites others to learn and grow alongside us. I hope you’ll take the time to listen, engage, and uplift SWANA voices this month.

Happy SWANA Heritage Month!

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New Year, New Perspectives: Join Our Virtual Film Series!

 

Join community leaders from across Nebraska who are fostering inclusive spaces of connection and growth! 

The New Year is here – what better way to kick it off than by deepening our understanding of the diverse stories that make Nebraska home?

Join Nebraska Is Home: “Through our Neighbors’ Eyes”, a virtual film series showcasing short films that celebrate the journeys, dreams and experiences of immigrant and refugee neighbors. Together, let’s create spaces for belonging and connection as we step into their stories. 

Save the Dates!

These three inspiring films will be followed by insightful discussions with the filmmakers and local Nebraska leaders. Bring your cocoa, settle by the fire (virtual or real!), and join us for a meaningful start to 2025. 

Save the dates now and register for the series!


(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)

Film Series Schedule:

January 21, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 1: To the State of the Good Life

Discover Raúl Arcos Hawkins’ journey as a DACA recipient and his hopes and challenges as a community leader in Grand Island, NE.

Featuring: Raúl Arcos Hawkins, executive director of the Multicultural Coalition of Grand Island, and Robert William Stevens, storyteller, filmmaker will join us for discussion following the film screening! 

January 28, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 2: Cultures in the Crossfade: Lincoln

Explore how local musicians find harmony in Nebraska, mixing cultures and creating new music.

Featuring: Hasan Khalil, musician, barber and community builder and Josh Kun, author, academic and music critic will join us for discussion following the film screening. 

February 4, 7-8 PM CT (6-7 PM MT)
Film 3: The Healing of Harman

Follow Harman Doski, a Kurdish refugee, as he navigates hope, faith, and forgiveness in his new life in the U.S.

Featuring: Julie Uribe, writer, will join us for discussion following the film screening. 

Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests. 

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We Went All In for Welcoming Week 2024…and Beyond!

Welcoming Week 2024 has been a beautiful celebration of Nebraska’s cultural richness, inclusion, and building bridges through connected communities – with a few more events still to come! This year, creative Welcomers across Nebraska hosted over 70 events in more than 9 communities across the state from Scottsbluff and North Platte to Crete and South Sioux City. Events included local business tours, community celebrations, cultural festivals and performances, main street parades, learning events and conversations, citizenship ceremonies, multilingual storytelling, and neighbors coming together to share space in art, music and food, all to ensure everyone in our community can feel a sense of belonging! 

Check-out these photos of a few more of the #WelcomingWeek2024 events that have happened across Nebraska:

Celebrando Siouxland with Unity in Action and many local partners!

Mural Painting with Literacy Council of Grand Island & Naturalization Ceremony with Grand Island Welcoming Initiative

Columbus Welcome Wagons & Heritage Festival with Centro Hispano, Columbus Public Libraries, and other local Columbus partners!

Celebrate Crete with Doane University and Crete in Motion!

Harvest Moon Festival and Lincoln Unites with Lincoln Welcoming Week! 

Check out more photos from partners across the state:

Beyond Welcoming Week events to come!

Establishing a welcoming culture in any community requires ongoing, consistent work to foster equity and inclusion. In many ways, Welcoming Week provides an opportunity for us to cultivate the awareness and energy that’s needed to sustain those year-long welcoming efforts.

There are still a few more events to catch! And then Nebraska communities’ local inclusion and belonging work continues! Take a moment to reflect on your Welcoming Week and the opportunities to build upon it – whether inviting someone new you met to another community event, continuing your personal learning, expanding community learning, or maybe just regrouping with other Welcomers to say “What’s next?” 

Thank you to all for celebrating Welcoming Week 2024 and for being an integral part of what makes Nebraska home for so many! Please reach out to us to support additional welcoming and belonging efforts throughout the year.

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Welcoming Week events across Nebraska! September 13-22

Welcoming Week 2024 is here!

Welcoming Week: September 13-22 and beyond!

Welcoming Week is a great opportunity to get to know neighbors – new and old – to embrace the universal values of welcoming places, and to celebrate culture, helping everyone to belong and feel at home – because our communities are strongest when everyone knows they belong. This year’s Welcoming Week theme “We’re All In” aims to go deeper and spark individual reflection on how and why belonging occurs, and ways we can break barriers to foster belonging for all, including immigrants and refugees.

Here in Nebraska and across the country and globe, community members are practicing what makes welcoming places and fosters belonging for all people.

Here’s how to participate:

Find local Nebraska events NEAR YOU! Nebraskans are hosting cultural performances, learning events, festivals and parades, and sharing food and stories of belonging and more! See this calendar of more than 50 events in communities across the state!

Join a virtual event or participate in a Welcoming Week event outside Nebraska if you are traveling – Welcoming Week is being celebrated around the world!

Print a Welcomer sign for your office/business, post on social media, or use a virtual Welcomer background in your next video call! 

Engage on social media! Share your photos and experiences with welcoming on social media using the hashtag “#WelcomingWeek2024”. Follow Nebraska Is Home and Welcoming America on Facebook or @WelcomingUSA and @NebraskaIsHome on Instagram and Twitter. 

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Nebraska Welcoming Session 2 on July 19! We’re All In For Language Access

Language access is foundational to creating communities and spaces where everyone feels they belong. We’ve heard from people across the state how important communication is and yet how hard it is. 

For the second session of the annual Nebraska summer welcoming convening we will welcome Brittany Ford! She will share best practices for providing language access at the local level and offer helpful resources. Additionally, she will inform us about who is required to provide language access. Join us to learn more about language access and to connect with welcoming leaders across the state on July 19th starting at 10am CT (9AM MT)! 

Meet Brittany Ford

Brittany has been immersed in welcoming and inclusion work since she led the nationally recognized initiative Welcome Toledo-Lucas County (TLC) and led the project for Lucas County to become the second county in the U.S. designated Certified Welcoming with strong local inclusion practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as the Language Access Coordinator for Lucas County’s emergency services and public health departments.  

Brittany is the Client Principal and Co-Owner of Language Equity & Access Partners (LEAP) LLC, a consulting firm founded in 2021 to support language access program design, immigrant and refugee community engagement and strategic planning. 

Look Forward to Lived Expertise on Local Boards

Be sure to also mark your calendar to join us August 9, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) for Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards. 

It’s not too late for friends and co-workers to register! You are welcome to share!

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Nebraska Welcoming Session 1 on June 7! Welcoming Week & Belonging Events

See you at Session 1: We’re All In for Belonging & Welcoming Week 2024

Friday, June 7th from 10:00-11:30 am CST (9:00-10:30 am MT) on Zoom

Join community members from across Nebraska who are building thriving communities of belonging!

We hope to see you at the first session of this year’s 10th-annual (virtual) statewide welcoming convening series, where we’ll share ideas and inspiration for Welcoming Week 2024 as well as community inclusion efforts throughout the year! Every September, communities across Nebraska and the country host Welcoming Week events, and it is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace belonging work.

In this session, we’ll get to hear about Welcoming Week ideas and tips from local Nebraska leaders, while also sharing and getting feedback on our own ideas for spaces to bring neighbors together to build belonging. 

Together, we’re all in for:

Learning about positive practices and purpose for Land Acknowledgements at our Welcoming Week and belonging events. We’ll hear from Renee Sans Souci, scholar and Umoⁿhoⁿ woman, about making Land Acknowledgements meaningful, and how to go beyond a single statement to other steps that create change and continue to honor Indigenous peoples as the original stewards of the land and recognize their important ongoing relationship with the land.

Dreaming big with Unity in Action from South Sioux City, as they share how the Celebrate Siouxland festival started small and incrementally grew to the BIG celebration with many community partners that it is today.

 

 

Celebrating Nebraska’s rich history of welcoming immigrants with Chris Hochstetler from the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Learn about the deep work going on in Grand Island, as the community embraces its immigrant history. 

 

 

Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests. 

During these summer sessions, you will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. Hope to see you for the following Fridays!

Remember to mark your calendars and plan to join us for the rest of the series as well:

  • July 19, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) – Session 2: We’re All In for Language Access
  • August 9, 10:00-11:30 am CT (9:00-10:30 am MT) – Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards
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Register Now! ‘We’re All In for Belonging’ Welcoming Convening Series

Join community leaders from across Nebraska who are building vibrant communities of belonging! 

Join our (virtual) annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities. 

During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. We hope you will join us on the following Fridays as we work toward building belonging for all. 

Save the dates now and register for the series!

(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)

June 7 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30am MT)
Session 1: We’re All In for Belonging & Welcoming Week 2024

Every year, communities across Nebraska host September Welcoming Week events as one way of building communities of belonging. These events – large and small – are a great way to bring neighbors together to learn about one another and celebrate what they love about their community. In this session, we’ll share tips and ideas on hosting neighbor-to-neighbor events and building strong inclusion practices any time during the year, and especially as we prepare for Welcoming Week 2024! This year’s theme, We’re All In, invites communities to showcase how they’re building places that value all perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Learn what others are all in on and hear from leaders who have hosted successful Welcoming Week events across the state! Are you all in on civic participation? Or sharing culture? Or healthy communities? 

July 19 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30am MT)
Session 2: We’re All In for Language Access

Being able to communicate is foundational to belonging. Language Access furthers organizational and community change efforts that advance equity and access for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Together, we’ll learn the significance of Language Access, best practices and resources, and where to start with a plan as we strive to provide more equitable access to health care, local government and services. 

August 9 10:00-11:30am CT (9:00-10:30 MT)
Session 3: We’re All In for Lived Expertise on Local Boards

We know that people who have lived expertise as immigrant community members, leaders of color, and other diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and experiences that enrich decision making, and can deepen understanding of community dynamics, but how do we ensure new members and the board are prepared? What are the expectations and duties of board members? How will the board receive new ideas? We’ll explore how to prepare new board members and the boards themselves.  

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Understanding Ramadan

Hello, I’m Amany Al-Barakat, a Muslim who has been observing Ramadan for the last couple of years. Ramadan is not just a month on the Islamic calendar; it is a profound spiritual journey that holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. In this blog post, I’d like to share with you the essence of Ramadan, its practices, and its transformative impact on the lives of those who observe it.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The fast, known as Sawm, begins at dawn (Suhoor) and ends at sunset (Iftar). During this period, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sinful behaviors.

The Meaning and Significance of Ramadan:
Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims as it commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a month of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and increased devotion to God. Fasting during Ramadan is not merely about refraining from physical needs but is also about cultivating inner qualities such as patience, gratitude, and empathy towards others.

What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, Muslims engage in various acts of worship and good deeds to draw closer to God and seek His forgiveness. Apart from fasting, Muslims also increase their recitation of the Quran, engage in extra prayers, and give to charity (Zakat and Sadaqah). The atmosphere is filled with a sense of community and solidarity as families and friends gather to break their fasts together and share meals (Iftar).

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power
One of the most significant events during Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr, often referred to as the “Night of Power.” It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is uncertain, but it is most commonly observed on the odd nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. 

Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual enlightenment. Muslims spend the night in prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Quran, seeking God’s mercy and guidance. It is a time of deep reflection and introspection, as Muslims strive to maximize their worship and good deeds on this auspicious night, believing that the rewards are multiplied manifold.

Support friends, colleagues and neighbors during Ramadan:
As Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims, showing support and understanding can mean a lot to those observing this sacred month. One of the best ways to show support is by being curious and learning more about Ramadan. Educating oneself about the practices and significance of Ramadan can foster understanding and respect. Additionally, sharing well wishes such as ‘Ramadan Kareem’ (Noble Ramadan) and showing grace and patience to Muslim colleagues and friends during this time is important. Your kindness and consideration will be greatly appreciated and will help create a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone during this special time.

Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast
After a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection, Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is a joyous occasion that marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the next month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration, gratitude, and unity. Muslims gather in mosques or open spaces to perform the special Eid prayer, followed by festive meals, gatherings with family and friends and the exchange of gifts. It is a day to express gratitude to God for His blessings and to rejoice in the spiritual growth achieved during Ramadan.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a sacred month that offers Muslims an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan Kareem to all!

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Join us at the 2024 Welcoming Interactive in Dallas, Texas!

As we all navigate the path towards fostering inclusivity and belonging for all in our communities, here’s an exciting opportunity on the horizon – the Welcoming Interactive happening from April 10-12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

The Welcoming Interactive provides a unique platform to learn from successful practices and inspiring examples of immigrant inclusion. 

In Dallas, we will have the chance to connect together with other Nebraskans – including government officials, nonprofit leaders, educators, and more –  from across the country to learn together, share successes and challenges, and gain valuable insights into positive practices for building more welcoming and inclusive communities. Interactive sessions focus on immigrant inclusion, programs, policies, and partnerships on economic development, civic engagement, government leadership, and more!

To sweeten the deal, there is an early bird registration rate of $350 available until January 26. I believe that your participation in the Welcoming Interactive will contribute significantly to our collective ongoing efforts to foster a more welcoming community.

More than 30 Nebraska leaders attended the 2023 Welcoming Interactive in San Jose, California.

For more information about the Welcoming Interactive and registration details, please visit the website.

If you are planning to attend, please let Christa know, so we can connect in Dallas!

Looking forward to your participation and the positive impact it will bring to the community!