This Welcoming Week, Johnson County declared that #BelongingBeginsWithUS – that each and every one of us has the power to help others, regardless of background, so that we are all seen, embraced, and welcomed. Community members across our cities and towns stepped up to share their personal stories, strengthen our communities, and support our neighbors.
Background
Welcoming Week, a week-long designation, is an official Welcoming America initiative that was first created back in 2012. Welcoming Week focuses on strengthening local connections and building relationships through the celebration of immigrants and their contributions across the country. Johnson County (and our cities, organizations, and residents alike) are part of a much larger network of citizens and groups that celebrate Welcoming Week each year.
Though in its 13th year of nationwide recognition, Welcoming Week is more recently beginning to form its foundations here in Johnson County.
2025 Recap: What Happened Locally
2025 marked the 3rd consecutive year of Johnson County communities’ collective efforts in celebrating Welcoming Week. Johnson County’s cities and organizations leaned into the celebration more than ever in the past. Over 20 entities supported Welcoming Week activities and festivities this year, with over 100 community members in attendance. Each additional year of collective collaboration and celebration has attracted more people and more community groups that want to get involved and voice their support, too.
Our ever-growing local support for Welcoming Week exemplifies a powerful collaboration to embrace shared prosperity for all Johnson County residents.
This support extended to many of our county’s local city governments, too. This year, the governments of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Lone Tree, and Johnson County all made official proclamations recognizing Welcoming Week and its importance.
These proclamations, made by our elected leaders on behalf of our city and county governments, show outright support for Welcoming Week, its meaning and purpose, and all our residents.
Nationwide, there were over 2,000 events hosted in celebration of the initiative. In the greater Iowa City area, organizations and governments hosted over 15 events during Welcoming Week, all put on by local organizations who were ready to embrace Johnson County’s welcoming status. These events were free and open to everyone, and included a mix of:
- Block parties
- Cultural festivals
- Community meals
- And more!
Greater Iowa City, Inc. is proud to continually support our immigrant populations, organizations, and businesses in this important recognition each year. Please visit welcomeicarea.org for more information and resources regarding Welcoming Week in the greater Iowa City area.
