Bellevue and other Eastside cities are gearing up to mark Welcoming Week, an event that celebrates the importance of inclusion and community engagement, especially towards new residents. During the week of September 12-21, a series of interactive events will unfold, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of belonging among all neighbors.
Since 2016, East King County has participated in the national annual celebration with various local organizations, including nonprofits and the King County Library System, contributing to the festivities. This year, Eastside for All takes the helm, coordinating events across Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, and Sammamish. To signify their dedication to creating inclusive spaces, the mayors of these cities will jointly proclaim their invitation to the public, encouraging people to "connect across differences" during the events, as per a news release from the City of Bellevue.
"Welcoming Week is a powerful reminder that our strength as a city lies in our diversity and commitment to inclusion," Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson said. Her perspective reflects a greater regional sentiment that takes pride in the diversity of its communities. According to the same news release, cultural arts performances will be one of the many attractions at Bellevue community centers throughout September.
The city is also relaunching the Cultural Conversations program with "The Bellevue We Hope to See: A Storytelling Event” on September 15 at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Furthermore, the Bellevue Diversity Advisory Network is set to present "From Stories to Strength: Creating Cross-Cultural Collaborations," an endeavor that aims to showcase how cross-cultural collaboration can build resilience and cement community ties through an interactive event on September 20 at the Marketplace at Factoria.
Those interested in participating in or learning more about the Welcoming Week activities can find additional information on the Bellevue website. Those needing alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable accommodations they are encouraged to contact the city in advance with the contact details. Similarly, the city has made arrangements for complaints regarding accommodations to be directed to the ADA, Title VI, and the equal opportunity officer.
