Changing Culture
Welcoming Interactive 2025: Lessons from Detroit and the Power of Local Leadership
In May, I attended Welcoming America’s Welcoming Interactive conference in Detroit, where over 900 leaders gathered to explore what it takes to build communities where everyone feels they belong. Set in a city shaped by industrial booms, disinvestment, and powerful local activism, the conference was an opportunity to share… Read More
Language Access Continues to Be An Important—and Contested—Part of American Life
One month after President Trump declared English as the only official language of the United States, communities across the country celebrated Language Access Month throughout April. The month emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all people—regardless of the language they speak—can access the information, services, and rights they are entitled… Read More
Centering Humanity in the Immigration Debate
“La tierra se secó.” That was my dad’s short explanation for why he left Mexico as a teenager in the 1970s. His family relied on their small farm in rural northern Mexico for subsistence. But when the droughts came, the land could no longer sustain them. So, he, like my… Read More
Policy Options: Protecting Immigrant Communities at the State and Local Level
State and local communities are at the forefront of shaping the lives of immigrants. While some have advanced harmful policies, other state and local governments championed efforts to protect newcomers and enable their full participation in their communities. As we look ahead to 2025 and the uncertainty around federal immigration… Read More
Embracing Two Cultures: Our Thanksgiving Story
Thanksgiving is a relatively new tradition in my life, but one that has marked the start of one of my favorite love stories. Even though I’ve lived in the U.S. for 22 years, the holiday always marked an opportunity for my mother to take a break from the demands of… Read More
Business Leadership on Immigration During an Election Year
At a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric is splashed across the news, it can be easy to get lost in the whirlwind of misplaced fear politicians continue to foster. But this year’s eighth annual Global Talent Chamber Network (GTCN) Convening: Business Leadership on Immigration During an Election Year served as… Read More
What is Tim Walz’s Record on Immigration?
While immigration remains a top issue for the nation as a whole, for years Minnesota has taken an active role in integrating and supporting immigrants throughout the state. Governor Tim Walz’s record demonstrates a commitment to novel and inclusive immigration policies at the state level. Immigrants in Minnesota Minnesota has… Read More
“We’re All In!” Localities Celebrate and Commit to Making Their Communities Welcoming to All
By: The Center for Inclusion and Belonging, State and Local Initiatives Over the last week, communities in 49 U.S. states across eight countries and three continents declared “We’re ALL In!” as a part of Welcoming America’s 12th Annual Welcoming Week. More than… Read More
Immigrants Are Making Ohio Great. Let’s Talk About That.
20 years ago, Springfield, Ohio, had a problem. Like many communities in the Rust Belt, it seemed like good times were a thing of the past. Once a manufacturing hub, the city had been losing population for decades, with rising unemployment and falling incomes. City leaders set about turning things… Read More
Talking Turkey 2023: Kindness on the Subway
Over the last few weeks, as I reflected on writing our annual Thanksgiving blog post, I struggled to find the right words and message. During years past, this post offered best practices for engaging in dialogue across the days’ festivities. And although that recipe has been loved by many, I… Read More
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