IMPACT REPORT2024
Led by Welcoming America and celebrated in communities around the globe, Welcoming Week is an annual week-long campaign that engages neighbors of all backgrounds in discussions and actions that advance equitable, inclusive, and welcoming communities. Launched in 2012, Welcoming Week began in 20 communities in the United States, and has since grown and provided 12 years of opportunities for individuals and communities to proclaim welcoming values and foster mutual understanding between immigrants and nonimmigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
Each year of progress toward a more welcoming and inclusive society builds upon the last, and 2024 was our most impactful yet. This year, Welcoming Week achieved its greatest participation to date, engaging eight countries and 49 U S states and D C with events highlighting the cultural, social, and economic contributions of immigrants around the globe. Events took many forms: from local festivals to naturalization ceremonies, community discussions, picnics, and art exhibitions.
We'd like to thank One Percent for America, all our individual, corporate and foundation partners, dedicated hosts, volunteers, and everyone who made Welcoming Week 2024 a success
Welcoming Week wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of dozens of partners. Thank you for engaging your networks in welcoming work throughout Welcoming Week and beyond
8
2,006+
Events hosted globally
823M
People reached with welcoming values through media
50
Communities issued welcoming proclamations
49 U.S. states hosted events
Salt Lake City is a place where diversity thrives, and we are committed to ensuring that every individual, no matter their background, feels a sense of belonging here.
MAYOR ERIN MENDENHALL, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PARIS, FRANCE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Salt Lake City celebrated Welcoming Week by announcing its 3-star Certified Welcoming designation. The event held at City Hall featured a tree dedication to honor the city’s nonprofit partners. This ceremony also showcased Salt Lake City’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all residents.
France was one of two new countries that celebrated Welcoming Week 2024. Hosted by Welcoming International Alliance partner ANVITA and Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders), national players in the book and migration sectors including an elected official from the City of Paris and representatives from public and municipal libraries discussed the Library Bridges project and how libraries can support newcomer inclusion
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Welcoming Week NWA transformed the week-long tradition into a
month-long celebration. Over 60 events including a training about Marshallese culture; a community celebration with thousands of high school students; and an opportunity to build connections among newcomer residents and service providers were possible with the support of 74 partners and 15 sponsors that reached more than 10,000 individuals across the region.
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Moving up here three years ago, I wasn't sure if I was going to be welcomed here in Northwest Arkansas. And now, just seeing how Welcoming Week is providing more opportunities for people like me it brings everyone all in, all together.
WORCESTER, MA
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation hosted a breakfast convening for community members working on the front lines of immigrant and refugee services. This event was an opportunity for gratitude and reflection on all the community has achieved so far, and the start of a conversation about how Worcester can begin to use the Welcoming Standard to be proactively welcoming in the years ahead.
The City of Dayton’s success depends on making sure that all residents feel welcome here. We stand by our immigrant and refugee community and value their contributions to our city’s vibrant culture and economy.
MAYOR JEFFREY J MIMS, JR , DAYTON, OHIO
DAYTON, OH
Dayton’s welcoming efforts have created an engaged and connected community, reversing population decline and increasing social cohesion, with more than 70% of residents supporting immigrant neighbors moving in next door. During heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric from the 2024 presidential election, the Dayton community stood together during Welcoming Week to resist and rise above scapegoating with an event spotlighting immigrant voices and encouraging community connection.
CANADA
In 2024, over 149 Welcoming Week events were held across nine of Canada’s provinces. The national government displayed excellent leadership, with Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship calling on communities to make belonging a reality and personally attending a citizenship ceremony to swear in more than 60 new Canadians.