Welcoming Salt Lake: Government and Community Leadership Biannual Convening in Welcoming Week
The Welcoming Salt Lake Plan – drafted in 2016 – is a community-derived plan, which directs the County’s strategy to facilitate and accelerate immigrant inclusion in civic, economic, and social aspects of life and ensures New Americans are engaged, respected, and have opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
In support of this Plan, the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office for New Americans commits to host recurring ‘Welcoming Week’ events in which immigrants, refugees, and long-time residents come together to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. In 2023, for example, an inaugural Government and Community Leadership Convening was held during Welcoming Week on September 14, 2023, to coincide with Welcoming America’s government and community leadership theme.
The County now commits to hold these events every six months, every March, and every September, during Welcoming Week, with the aim to:
Amplify voices from diverse New American stakeholders concerning successes, challenges, and priorities of their integration in Salt Lake County.
Engage in a dialogue with local government and community leaders on how to involve Salt Lake County residents in welcoming New Americans outside of the formal County-organised Welcoming Week activities.
Identify new partnerships and avenues for collaboration to advance New Americans’ inclusion.
