A welcoming community is built on trust and partnerships. That’s why, for the third year in a row, Greater Iowa City, Inc. is proud to join with our cities, organizations, and community members across Johnson County to celebrate Welcoming Week.
What is Welcoming Week?
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign that honors all residents and reaffirms our shared commitment to inclusion. Launched nationally by Welcoming America in 2012, it is a weeklong celebration of the tireless work communities put forth to become welcoming places for all, especially immigrants. Across the country, neighbors come together to strengthen connections, highlight contributions, and show that welcoming communities are key to collective prosperity.
This year, Welcoming Week begins Friday, September 12th and ends Sunday, September 21st.
Local Empowerment
Immigrants make up over 10% of our county’s population, and their contributions enrich all of our social, cultural, and economic lives. Welcoming Week provides a dedicated opportunity to recognize and celebrate these families, whose stories are an essential part of our communities’ identities.
Locally, support for Welcoming Week has grown stronger each year. Each additional year of celebration draws more local participants and supporters. Nonprofits and governments will host more than 10 free events this September, ranging from block parties and community gatherings to educational conversations and community meals.
In addition, local governments are issuing official proclamations of support, reinforced by the active involvement of Greater IC and many devoted partner organizations.
How to Support the Welcoming Initiative
Everyone is invited to take part in this weeklong celebration of belonging. Events are free and open to the public, and you can find the full 2025 schedule at welcomeicarea.org.
This year let’s declare that #BelongingBeginsWithUs. Each of us have the power to help others feel seen, embraced, and included in Johnson County. To show your support, we encourage you to attend an event and display a Belonging Begins With Us yard sign in your neighborhood!
Together, we will continue building a community where everyone belongs.
