Emporia, KANSAS —Emporia has earned the 1-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, becoming the first community in Kansas to achieve this recognition through the work of Kansas Spanish Speakers (formerly known as Emporia Spanish Speakers), in partnership with the City of Emporia, and local organizations, affirming the community’s commitment to ensuring that all residents… The post Emporia becomes first Kansas community to earn Certified Welcoming designation appeared...| Welcoming America
Building a welcoming community takes more than good intentions. It requires trust, partnerships, and sustainable funding to weather crises and meet long-term needs. Establishing a welcoming fund is a best practice for creating lasting infrastructure. When anti-immigrant governors started sending buses of asylum seekers to welcoming cities in 2022, Philadelphia prepared. The city not only… The post How to fund welcoming work and strengthen local networks: A case study from Philadelphia appea...| Welcoming America
Uncertainty continues to affect welcoming across the U.S. and around the world — but last month, at the 2025 Welcoming Interactive, one thing was certain: this community is strong, ready, and committed to building a better future. Over three days, nearly 900 people came together in Detroit, Michigan for community tours, meaningful conversations, practical sessions,… The post Sharing stories, uniting communities: #Interactive2025 appeared first on Welcoming America.| Welcoming America
“Building welcoming communities is not a luxury. It is essential.” Editor’s note: Following are remarks by Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, delivered on May 21, 2025 at the opening plenary of the Welcoming Interactive in Detroit, Michigan. They have been lightly edited for web publication. In 1950s Brooklyn, a stunned boy looked up… The post “Building welcoming communities is not a luxury”: Opening remarks at the Welcoming Interactive 2025 appeared first on ...| Welcoming America