Join Us for a Celebration of Our Communities!

We believe our communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good. Created by YMCA of the USA’s national partner Welcoming America, Welcoming Week celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country.

While Welcoming Week will look different this year in light of COVID-19, Ys across the country are still planning virtual or physically-distanced events to help immigrant and U.S.-born neighbors connect and celebrate what unites us as a community. Contact your local Y to find out what Welcoming Week activities are happening near you.

Welcoming Week 2020 takes place September 12-20.

Show Your Community Why You Welcome

During the month of September, take a moment to let all neighbors know that they are welcome and appreciated in your community by filling out one of the sign templates below. Take a photo with your sign and share it on social media using the hashtags #WelcomingWeek and #YforAll.

Sign template: I'm a Welcomer Opens a new window
Sign template: [Location] Welcomes You Opens a new window

Welcoming Week Blogs

Read personal reflections and stories from across the country on the importance and impact of welcoming all:

How do We Find Common Ground? :

Sue Glass

Partnering for a More Cohesive Community:

Sokthea Phay

Finding a Common Cause:

Jay Husson

Making an Impact:

Megan Galligar

Seeing Faces, Seeing Humanity:

Devin Day

Asking the Questions that Matter:

Rachael Rinaldo

Learn More About Y Immigrant Integration Services

The Y has a long history of serving immigrants and helping receiving communities to be prepared and welcoming for all. Through integration services Opens a new window such as job training, wellness programs or adult education classes like English as a Second Language, the Y empowers people to be self-reliant, connected and contributing members of their new communities. Click here Opens a new window to watch how the YMCA of Greater Houston helps immigrants—including vulnerable refugee populations—successfully transition into their new communities.