Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration from September 19th-23rd to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all. This year’s theme for Welcoming Week is Where We Belong.
The Owatonna Human Rights Commission is focusing on the places and spaces that foster belonging, such as public spaces, workplaces, and neighborhoods. As Owatonnans, we can support what makes our community a welcoming place and showcase how it helps foster belonging for all people, especially immigrants.
Monday, September 19 4:30-8 p.m.
New mural dedication, Welcome Walk with exhibitor fair and food trucks
City Parks Trail near Hoffman Drive NW and West Rose Street
Tuesday, September 20 6:30 p.m.
Roundtable discussion regarding language barriers in the workplace Steele County History Center
Thursday, September 22 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. (attend all day or part of the day)
Promoting Peace 2022 -The Intersection of Race, Justice and Peace presentation. Free tickets for this non-denominational event available on Eventbrite.com
Event will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue
Thursday, September 22 6:30 p.m.
When Home Won’t Let You Stay traveling photography exhibition and conversation Owatonna Public Library
During the Month of September
Exhibit Portraying Immigration in Owatonna at the Steele County History Center, 1700 Austin Road