Take part in Welcoming Week

From Sept. 13 to Sept. 22, both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City will hold a slate of events celebrating Welcoming Week. And it’s much more than simply putting out the welcome mat

“Being welcoming is much more than being friendly, tolerant, or peaceful. We believe that truly welcoming places have intentional, inclusive policies, practices, and norms that enable all residents to live, thrive, and contribute fully — including immigrants,” according to the website for Welcoming America, the national organization promoting the events.

In Cedar Rapids, the theme is “We’re All In,” with colorful wings representing the city’s largest immigrant groups in the city.

“Saying “We’re All In” means welcoming people from all over the world with open arms and encouraging them to spread their wings in our community,” the Cedar Rapids Welcoming week online site says.

In Iowa City, the theme is “Belonging Begins with Us.”

“From language barriers to cultural differences, feeling excluded can take years to overcome. Yet, because we all know how it feels to be excluded, we also know how to make others feel they belong. When that happens, communities can fully harness the strengths, talents, and contributions of each person to build shared prosperity,” Iowa City’s website says.

Of course, there are long lists of events.

Among events planning in Cedar Rapids are Festival Latino on Sept. 14, the Catherine McAuley Center’s refugee simulation on Sept. 17 and the center’s 35th anniversary gala at the DoubleTree Sept. 20 and Asian Fest on Sept. 21.

A full schedule of events can be found at https://www.cedarrapids.org/economic-alliance-events/welcoming-week/

In Iowa City, planned events include a Rock the Block Party in the Towncrest area Dept. 13, A Day of Climate and Community Sept. 15, Welcome Festival Intercultural Celebration Sept.. 15, a symposium inspiring Black and Brown professionals to lead on Sept. 19 and 20 and the Global Iowa City Gala on Sept. 21.

A full schedule can be found at https://welcomeicarea.org/welcoming-week-2024/

Events such as these emphasize the need to welcome newcomers, who are vital to the region’s cultural vibrancy, its efforts to offer help to refugees and its economic growth. Immigrants will play a large role in addressing Iowa’s need for workers. Within that context, welcoming and supporting those immigrants is a must.

During an election year when newcomers are too often cast a problem or a threat, these festivals come at the perfect time to remind us of the historic contributions of immigrants and the important role they play in the region’s future.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com