City of Minneapolis Welcoming Week, September 9 - 18

Article by Becky Fillinger

Did you know that the City of Minneapolis has a Welcoming Week, part of a now-global celebration which brings together immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents to learn about each other and foster a sense of community? This year marks the 10th anniversary of Welcoming Week celebrations across the globe, which run from September 9th to the 18th, and this year’s theme is Where We Belong. We spoke to Michelle Rivero, Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) to learn more about the events surrounding Welcoming Week.

Michelle RiveroHere's what Michelle shared about the theme of this year’s celebration and events we may attend:

This year’s Where We Belong theme encourages individual reflection on how and why belonging occurs and ways to break barriers so that places can foster belonging for all, including immigrants and refugees. This is the first year that celebrations are happening around the world – we know of celebrations in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Canada.

As a Welcoming City, the City of Minneapolis hosts annual events in recognition of Welcoming Week to welcome new residents to the city and, because Citizenship Day always takes place during Welcoming Week, to share information about how to become a United States citizen and the importance of acquiring United States Citizenship.

The City’s Welcoming Week webpage holds this year’s calendar of events for welcoming week and beyond including:

Twin Cities Immigration Forum

Tuesday, September 13, 4:30-6 p.m.

Join the Twin Cities Immigration Forum for a conversation about the contributions of immigrants and refugees in the City of Minneapolis and St. Paul including information from the Journey to Belonging Report.

Join the meeting online over Microsoft Teams or call in (audio only) at 612-276-6670, using conference ID number: 365 504 388#

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Naturalization Orientation

Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The City of St. Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program, City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and local nonprofit immigration legal service providers will offer an information session about applying for US citizenship both online and in person in honor of Citizenship Day. Coffee and snacks provided. The link to join will be provided soon on the City’s webpage.

Forum on renting to refugees and evacuees

Friday, September 23, 2022, 10-11:30 AM

Online forum about renting to refugees and evacuees in Minnesota by the Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services.

Register online to receive Zoom link

Of course, there will be many private get-togethers, readings, potlucks and sporting events in our city to celebrate and show welcome to our immigrant and refugee community members. Use #WhereWeBelong to let others know of your events!

Previous Welcoming Week event