Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a national, grassroots-driven collaborative that promotes mutual respect and cooperation between foreign-born and U.S.-born Americans. Through a countrywide network of member organizations and partners, Welcoming America works to promote a welcoming atmosphere – community by community – in which immigrants and native born residents can find common ground and shared prosperity.

What We Do

Welcoming America Affiliates –  A Network of Community Initiatives

Welcoming America supports a national network of affiliates, currently in 21 states. Using our practical, proven approach, local affiliates empower supportive residents of local communities—immigrants and U.S.-born neighbors together—to transform their towns and cities into Welcoming communities. With the help of Welcoming America’s tools and resources, affiliates can draw on a national network of support to advance their community-wide approaches.

Receiving Communities Initiative  - A Community of Practice for Partners

The Receiving Communities Initiative (RCI) is an effort to build a movement of individuals and organizations focused on involving Americans in immigrant integration. Through the Initiative, Welcoming America works to gather and disseminate promising practices from the field and bring together individuals and organizations to share knowledge and experience through:

Conference presentations and convenings  • Technical assistance and training • Publications and newsletters • Community planning and measurement

Support to the Refugee Resettlement Network

Through a cooperative grant from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Welcoming America’s Fostering Community Engagement and  Welcoming Communities Project provides technical assistance to the nation’s refugee resettlement network, offering new tools and support to:

• Create a robust community of practice across refugee agencies, mainstream providers and geographic communities;
• Enhance and sustain resettlement work in local communities;
• Build new partnerships;
• Promote a positive community climate; and
• Ensure the successful integration of refugees in cities and town across the United States.

Welcoming Institute

Welcoming America offers training and technical assistance to organizations interested in fostering more positive local climates for newcomers and all residents.