As Minneapolis heralds the arrival of Welcoming Week, the city is gearing up for a slate of events designed to bridge the gap between immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents. The celebration, which extends from September 13-22, adheres to the theme "We're All In," promoting inclusivity and a shared sense of belonging. Welcoming Week dovetails with Citizenship Day, creating a timely synapse for new residents exploring the path to U.S. citizenship.
The City of Minneapolis, renowned as a Welcoming City, is hosting an array of events throughout the week. According to the city's announcement, the scheduled events include a resolution before the city council, which the public watched during the September 5 meeting via the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel. The legislative gesture underlines the city's commitment to being a sanctuary for all residents irrespective of origin. Running simultaneously, the city provides ongoing support through the Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs with weekly office hours available at South Minneapolis CareerForce.
One of the anchor events, a specialized Welcoming Week edition of the Twin Cities monthly immigration forum, is slated for September 12. Announced as an accessible gathering, participants can join the dialogue remotely via Microsoft Teams or connect by calling in directly. Details for this, and other learning opportunities such as the lab on engaging with immigrant and refugee communities on September 13, can be found on the city's official website.
A testament to the city’s hospitality, a Welcoming Week celebration coupled with a citizenship and immigration resource fair, takes pride of place on September 14 at the South Minneapolis CareerForce. Catering to the practical needs of newcomers, this event represents a convergence of resources, from legal aid to health care information, that is fundamental for immigrants and refugees who navigate the complexities of acclimating to a new society in their quest to forge a life in America.
The full calendar of Welcoming Week events is available on the City of Minneapolis website, where updates will be posted regarding event times, locations, and registration details. These community-focused events not only underline Minneapolis' dedication to inclusivity but also emphasize the mutual enrichment that arises when a city embraces the diverse tapestry of its people.
