Welcoming Interactive + Welcoming Economies Convening 2019

Many communities around the United States recognize the distinct values of welcoming and resilience and are embedding these values into local policies. More and more, cities and local governments understand the need to build capacity to address chronic stresses and acute shocks. Recent disasters including earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes highlight the need to connect neighbors so that in times of emergencies people know each other and can reach out for help or to help. Similarly, communities experiencing the impacts of poverty, racism, inequities, and other chronic social stresses are compromised in their ability to respond in times of disaster. Local governments are increasingly understanding that equity and resilience are interwoven and vital to building welcoming communities. This session will include an interactive discussion, and those from communities involved with resiliency work or interested in taking welcoming to the next level are particularly encouraged to attend.

Using the World Cafe method, this session will allow participants to speak directly with national experts about federal immigration policy changes and priorities and to local government and community representatives about creating strategies and services in response to federal policies.  

Communities around the country are being rocked by increased incidents of hateful rhetoric and hate crimes. This session will include a viewing of the 30-minute film Light in the Darkness, which is a resource for communities working to address and prevent hate. The presentation will be followed by facilitated table discussions where participants can share more about the challenges they are facing in their communities and promising local approaches.